Here are my divisional playoff grades for the Niners, who beat the Saints 36-32 and will play in the NFC Championship game next weekend.
Alex Smith: A+. Let’s get the negatives out of the way first – he didn’t play well in the middle of the game. Ok, now that we’ve established that, let’s talk about the positives. He made two plays to win the game. The first was the designed run around the left end – called QB9 in the Niners playbook. The second was the game-winning touchdown throw to Vernon Davis – Vernon Post. The first play reminds us why the Niners drafted Smith in the first place – he’s pretty quick for 6’4” quarterback. The second play showed us something we didn’t already know about Smith – he can make a precise, laser throw into a tight window when it counts. For the whole season the Niners played to put the game in their defense’s hands – remember the loss at home to the Cowboys when Harbaugh took a field goal instead of a penalty that would put his offense in the Dallas red zone. Well, Harbaugh didn’t have a choice in this one. He needed Smith to win this game and Smith came through.
No more calling Smith a junior game manager. He beat Drew Brees. Junior game managers can’t do that.
Offensive line: B. They gave up three sacks and struggled all game like they have all season at picking up blitzes on third and long. But they run blocked well enough, and Joe Staley made a key block on Alex smith’s 28-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Running backs: B. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter had average games for them, but Gore had a huge 42 yard run in the fourth quarter. In Gore and Hunter’s defense, they ran against eight and nine defenders in the box all game and still did pretty well. Gore’s long run came against ten box defenders. Both Gore and Hunter were good enough to keep the Saints defense worried about them and to keep the play action pass a dangerous weapon for Alex Smith.
Wide receivers: D. Ted Ginn Jr. hurt his knee and didn’t do much. Kyle Williams’ best play was a block on Alex Smith’s fourth quarter touchdown run. And Michael Crabtree seemed to drop pass after pass. After the game Jim Harbaugh talked about how great Vernon Davis is – especially because he played his best in the biggest game. This was in obvious contrast to Crabtree who played his worst when the Niners needed him the most.
Tight ends: A+. Like many of you guessed, Vernon Davis was the x-factor. Greg Roman had called plays for his star tight end sparingly all season long. I wondered if he was saving Davis – setting the table for him, if you will – until the playoffs. It seems like that was the case. Davis was the clear focal point of the Niners passing game, and he thrived, catching seven passes for 180 yards (not a typo, but a post season tight end record), plus two touchdowns. Harbaugh said the Saints were single covering him most of the game. I doubt the next team the Niners face uses that preposterous strategy.
Defensive line: B+. Justin and Aldon Smith combined to hit Drew Brees nine times. The whole line stuffed the Saints run game immediately. Still, they couldn’t get to Brees down the stretch when the secondary needed a boost.
Linebackers: B-. Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham had great games – they’re great players. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman combined for 19 tackles and did well to keep Sproles in front of them for the most part – he broke away once. They couldn’t do much with Graham – who can? Overall, it was not nearly their best performance, but an honorable one against such terrific offense.
Secondary: B. They held Drew Brees under 500 yards, which is something. They gave up big plays down the stretch, but they made equally big plays throughout the game. Donte Whitner knocked Pierre Thomas out of the game on the first series to save a touchdown and force a turnover. Dashon Goldson had eleven tackles. And Tarell Brown made a spectacular interception.
Special Teams: A+. Jim Harbaugh called the coverage unit the best in the business and he’s right. They forced one fumble and recovered two, and completely neutralized Sproles as a returner. David Akers was automatic and Andy Lee was good enough.
Coaching: B+. Halfway through the fourth quarter it seemed like Greg Roman’s conservative play calling was going to kill the Niners. He couldn’t figure out a good play call for third and long, and the offense scored six whole points in the second and third quarters. But the coaching staff completely redeemed themselves down the stretch. The two late touchdowns were perfect play calls. On the Alex Smith run it was obvious the Saints were going to overload blitz Anthony Davis and the right side of the Niners line – that’s what all teams do against the Niners in critical moments. So Alex Smith ran away from the blitz – around the left end into the end zone with no sweat. And then the touchdown throw – I’m sure the Saints and the rest of the stadium thought the Niners were going to go conservative and settle for the game-tying field goal – that’s been their M.O. all season. They went against their tendency and went for the touchdown and caught the Saints off guard. Finally Harbaugh showed confidence in his quarterback and his tight end, and they came through for him.
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Hey Grant – any chance you have a few minutes to play moderator on the live blog? It’s pretty disgusting in there right now…
Got it. He’s gone. Some people’s children…
You beat me to the post, Grant, before I could second 49erGirl’s request. Have to admit the venom, the unnecessarily obnoxious remarks, the palpable misogyny has been getting to me a bit – not an easy thing to do.
Sorry I let him go unchecked. I was writing.
Thanks Grant. I’m pretty tolerant most times but that guy was getting on my last nerve. Of all times to that kind of crap, why today? This is the best football we’ve seen in probably 20 years, no need for that kind of stuff. All positive, all good today!
Keep the positive energy flowing, brothers and sisters, we’ve got another tough one next week!
Thank you Grant ,people can disagree with out being all out filthy! Emotions all get us introuble!!! This game was amazing,so many thoughts, now I worry about keeping rogers, golds, brooks and other important players, but stay in the moment, fun to enjoy this, Thank you to you and your Dad for all the hard work, Great time watching this game with my Dad and other family members!
Thank you Grant – I knew you’d get to it pretty quickly :-) I’ve got pretty thick skin, but that stuff was way over the line.
Thanks to Hof, Adam, Guap, ribico, lala, Max, 55 Niner, Big P, rebel, Crab, and all the other awesome fans on here for trying to keep the peace on one of the most incredible days in Niner history!!!
He reminds me of the quote ” if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all “.
9er Girl
I just left the Saints SB Nation blog, and I have to say that bye and large the Saints fans are showing a hell of a lot more class in losing than some of our so-called fans are in winning. It’s too bad that some people have to display their immaturity and completely remove all doubt that they are classless. Kudos to my fellow 9er fans that post with class and style and keep it clean while doing so.
I’m with you all the way, 55niner
@Grant
“No more calling Smith a junior game manager. He beat Drew Brees. Junior game managers can’t do that.”
So does that mean that any posts by errr. 23J who says this all the time will be deleted if he says it?
Also, you need to have to put glue on your finger grading AS.
You need to have a lot more ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let’s see, earlier this season we were all debating whether AS deserved a Pro Bowl spot or not. The others that were commonly listed as being deserving above him were Rodgers, Brees, Stafford, and Manning. He’s now faced three of the four and beaten each of them, and he may get a shot at Rodgers next weekend if GB wins tomorrow.
@calistoga
No. We started the season where after 7 years many here still didn’t know what the guy’s name is who they hated.
Then it was, he sucks. Then he is the best option. Then he isn’t winning, just not losing, etc.
Grant, agree with you on the grades. BTW, you said “The second play showed us something we didn’t already know about Smith”, we’ve seen flashes in his career but NOW the biggest difference is coaching – they trust him and him them!!! An offensive oriented HC makes a huge difference.
Wow, still coming down from my high!
Yes we have. The flashes of greatness have always been there. Seems to me that the conventional wisdom (coaching carousel, poor coaching, injuries, never in a position to actually win anything) was correct. The Alexcuses were actually Alexfacts.
Hopefully we can close that sad chapter.
I agree Adam. Leave the past in the past. But we all had to endure the past to be able to appreciate this season, and especially today. I think my heatr rate has finally gotten back to normal.
heart
@Adam
Hopefully the hating of AS wil also stop, and the blog can start to heal.
Alex was clutch, is clutch and is a winnner. It’s feels good to have always been a believer. Go Niners!
…Alex Smith = Coldblooded QB
‘oneniner’ thought I would never agree with you on anything, but ‘dog-gonit’ I have to agree with you, Alex was ‘coldblooded,’ he never once lost his cool even after NO scored a heartbreaking TD with under 2 minutes remaining.
Alex put all his detractors to rest yesterday, and made me a believer in the process.
AES, you should have never left to the darkside!! LOL JK
Grant, I agree with most of your grades except for the following:
QB: B+
LB: B
Coaching: B
The coaching and QB get a notch lower scores because with a +4 turnover ratio, this game could/should have been a blow out with more efficient QB play and better play calling.
Dont get me wrong, this was a great win and I’m more excited than anybody. But the truth can’t be denied.
I don’t know how Smith could have been better. The Saints Defense got their hands up when they saw they couldn’t get to him which knocked a few Passes down. He got creamed 4 times and had nowhere to go with the ball. He even tried to Run with it and thought he was clear enough to get some yardage. And then you have the drops. The things that have been killing this team the most have been the drops. 3 on Crabtree alone. Brett Swain doesn’t get a hitch in his giddyup that’s 6 points on the board. Smith would have hit that guy in stride. I see maybe where Smith could have done a tad better but when you put all this together? That’s at least an A grade at worst imho.
“But the coaching staff completely redeemed themselves down the stretch. The two late touchdowns were perfect play calls.”
I think this is the difference between this season and past seasons. We’ve pretty much had the tools all along but the coaching was so poor that it looked much worse than it actually was.
Yeah, the Jr. Game Manager thing has been a red herring since Jordy came up with it. Just a guy who is so stubborn he digs himself a hole he can never get out of. Absolutes… never smart.
Ooops, sorry. The point is/was that this coaching staff can make gaffes but they can also recover from things that aren’t working. I like that Geep Cryst was in on the play calling. Good for Harbaugh, allowing the input of all the coaches – what a wonderful concept!
The previous approach was to keep beating the collective heads against the wall and hoping something would change. This year really casts a glaring spotlight on what type of poor coaching we had these last many years.
Amen Adam!!!
I saw the whole game but when Graham scored that last Saints TD, I swear on a stack of bibles as tall as the Golden Gate that I said to my bro, “Let him score they’ll leave too much time on the clock”. Sure enough Graham scored and Alex Smith went to work. Man that drive was a thing of beauty. 3 plays and BAM! Touchdown Vernon Davis! You couldn’t draw it up any better than that. Drew Brees hell. Gimme Alex Smith any day of the week. Drew Brees woulda got kilt if he tried to run 28 yards for the score.
Brees is a hell of a QB, and the reason every Television Analyst picked the Saints to beat the 9ers. But when the chips are down Alex can be just as good. Maybe even better at times. We rushed 4 on the average. They rushed 6 and 7 blitzers. Put Brees on our team with Receivers dropping good Passes on the field and a Line that has trouble keeping the QB upright and see how good he is. I doubt he would have won this game for us. Did you see how jittery he was in the pocket after Cowboy pushed that dude’s own Lineman into him? That’s something I’ve NEVER seen from a Defensive Lineman. Not from where that Tackle was set up at. OMFNLord that was HUGE! :D
Agree on the incredible Justin Smith play. Couldn’t believe he did that. Does that guy ever tire out? And I think I saw him on an offensive play, too.
@La-La
There is a reason why JS is and has been my favorite. lol
Yeah you did LaLa.
yep on that coaching call….
Alex and Davis did a mighty fine job today.
@undercenter
Yes. They did what they were drafted to do.
Takeaways from Candlestick:
-Has there ever been a bigger Hit, both physically and as a statement, than the knockout Donte Whitner put on Pierre Thomas at the goal line? Opening drive, Saints on cruise control, driving the ball like only they can, Thomas taking it to the house,,, OOPS, welcome to San Francisco. No touchdown, no First Down, and no ball. Turnover, and Thomas knocked out of the game on a “legal helmet to helmet tackle”. If the Saints had scored there …..?
-The offense looked woeful through the second half, couldn’t get anything going until the end. Had that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
-The 49ers beat a tremendous team. They are quality all around, on both sides of the ball. The Stick was as rocking as I’ve ever heard it, EVER. Yet the Saints incurred no false-starts. The Saints incurred zero penalties. Impressive.
-The Refs did a decent job, let the boys play, although an early pass interference call looked like a no-call to me.
-When Graham gets his second score, similar to Sprouls run and catch just a moment before, I grabbed my jacket and was about to walk out in disgust, but then… stopped and thought “no, last year (and the year before that and the year before that, etc, etc) the team would have folded. With 1:37 on the clock they would have run around like the Keystone Cops, around bumping into each, jumping offside, falling, fumbling and ultimately failing. But this year they’ve become a team that excels in these moments. They find a way. That’s the definition of the great teams- they find a way. That’s how it used to be here, I had forgotten. So I sat my butt back down and watched the magic unfold. The Niners are on the verge of greatness!
-The moment that’s my personal favorite: the crowd began a chant that not long ago seemed inconceivable, too preposterous to imagine; the crowd chanted “Alex, Alex, Alex…). I am so happy for him. All the crap he has slogged through. Good for you Alex, congratulations. You have EARNED it.
Grant, please ask Alex if he heard it and how it felt.
-Finally, today shows me that no matter who the next opponent, or where, they’d better eat an extra helping of Wheaties, because the Niners are coming for you.
Thanks for providing a visual from the Stick!!
Must have been pretty sweet being there in person!!
Didn’t hear the chants for Alex on the tv broadcast, but I’m sure that was something special for the entire team. Especially Alex.
Bigger hit? I think of Ronnie against Ikke woods in the superbowl.
Big….
Yeah, Ronnie’s hit on Ickey was one of those ‘OOOOH’ hits, along with another ‘Ronnie Hit’ he put on Dalton Hilliard in a game against the Saints. Eric Davis says Hilliard sounded like a little girl reacting to the hit. How about the goal line hit Hacksaw Reynolds put on Pete Johnson in Super Bowl XVI, and then the hit put on Charles Alexander by Dan Bunz in the same game. Both of those hits had major impact on the outcome of that Super Bowl. Whitners hit…..priceless.
@Boopsie
Agreed! That hit by Whitner set the tone for the whole game. That’s known as a “slobberknocker”. ‘Just glad that the one who stayed in the game was Donte.
Well said Grant!! I, like Vernon couldn’t help but shed a tear over this dramatic well deserved an hard fought win. I’m so proud of our team and so proud of our QB, yes Alex!! As Steve Young once said, “can somebody please take this Monkey off my back”!!
I’m gonna ride this high all week! Go Niners!! Enjoy the win Faithful! Bring on GB or NY, this is our year!
Alex deserves to get that monkey off his back, just like Steve did in ’95
Watched the game from my little bar. More 49er fans came out of their closets this time: there must’ve been, oh, six or seven of us among a small crowd of Green Bay fans. The climax came, of course, when Alex connected with Vernon for the winning score, and – I kid you not – a Niner fan jumped off his stool and shouted, “To hell with all you Green Bay fans! Go Forty-niners!” A moment of stunned silence followed and then everyone, including Green Bay people, burst into cheers and laughter. What a game! I’m exhausted!
Right on Max! Man that’s funny…and true to life. There’s a new kid on the block: the grandson of the old new kid come to get his own.
Even my Filipina wife was shouting “I love Harbaugh”! She don’t know football but she knows a winner when she sees one.
LOL, Phil Fan! I like that “new kid on the block . . . grandson of the old new kid.” Nicely put! And welcome to what may very well turn out to be the beginning of Dynasty III! (And of course your wife knows a winner when she sees one – she married you, didn’t she?!)
Secondary gets a B+ imho, because you forgot Goldson got a Turnover and what a beautiful pick that was. Even ran it to the 3 yard line that’s how gorgeous of a play that was. And definitely worth the plus at the very least.
Brees is going to make his plays. I think the secondary did a hell of a job limiting him his opportunities and one of them led to All Day’s Sack.
Just sayin though, cause it’s your blog not mine. ;)
Not to mention the knockdown that Carlos Rogers had close to the end zone. First thing I thought is our old #22 Nate Clements would have choked on that play and allowed a TD
The label of game manager is actually a pun now after that performance. What a great story book ending and redemption for Alex, wow! Going to NFC Championship!
Alex proved what he is all about today. I am a believer. I Believe in Alex Smith. GO NINERS
“I Believe in Alex Smith.”
You have to do that with the Deion Sanders voice! I beeeeelieeeeeeve in Alex Smith.
:P
The story isn’t over yet! There’s an even bigger ending!
Grant:
I agree with your grades, except the secondary. They really were excellent except for a couple of plays against a HOF QB. I would give them a B+
In reply to Nick; I disagree about Alex. The test of a great game by a QB is can he bring his team from behind at the end of the game and put the team in a position to win. Alex staged two come back drives for TD’s. That is an A+ performance for any and every quarterback.
OK, I have lost my voice and just starting to recover from this game. HOFER my man our prediction came through and Alex the MAN SMITH was born today by putting his name in the history with the Catch “3″!!!! ALEX PLAYED THE BEST GAME OF HIS LIFE his passes were a thing of beauty when it counted and MR. VD made the catch 3 possible. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NINERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Chicago, couldn’t be happier! What a game…VD and AS were just brilliant especially in the 4th qtr. I was on the edge of my seat the whole game. Wow!! Now we can sit back relaxed and watch the two games tomorrow already knowing the 9ers are IN the Championship game. Just incredible!
I was happy that the Niners played on Saturday. Now all those people who were predicting a 49ers Packers NFC Championship game can know that the Niners held up their end of the deal!
After a game like this — one for the ages — to me, grading ANYTHING is like a flea on a elephant’s butt. This game was A+++ for the team, the team…the team.
I’d let the grading thing go from here on out.
I agree with the grades. This was a fantastic victory. You want to enjoy it, but you also want to be aware of the opportunity. This team is one win away from the Super Bowl…….
I just hope we do not face Mr. Rodgers, I live in a small town next to Chico, CA where he went to school and PV high,He and all his family were die hard ninner fans until he was bi-passed from the ninners. I do not know him personally but listening to some of his friends, media and other people speak, he is alot like harbaugh, very competative, not vindicative but remembers what every one says about him. I think he would do everything he could to beat the ninners, He and his family are very classy and good people, any other time I would pull for him, But not in this instance! Grandad raised me a niner!!! . But Wow , just fun to be here, Unfortunately I doubted Smith in the past and in the middle of this game, Man, He has heart, guts and determination, This is so much fun!!! Who cares and who was right or wrong, Just amazing performances from amazing talented men! Wish you all the best, All those that are not in their right minds, please take taxis or have someone drive you. Live for another day!!!!
rebel-
Yeah Rodgers is competitive and good BUT “to be the best ya gotta beat the best”. You saw how angry and determined our D is, how determined and motivated our O is. We go to GB or if the Giants come here Look Out! One of those two are going to pay a heavy price for standing in our way to the Super Bowl. Rodgers run of good luck and success will end on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field and another heir of the legacy of the great Vince Lombardi will find it is possible to lose at home.
And THAT will be just.
“to be the best ya gotta beat the best”
The Nature Boy….wwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooo!
Yeah Hof I got a feeling we’re gonna see “What goes around comes around”.
High time too
I love it Phil Fan, I am going to ride your Faith!
I don’t see any posts at all from 23Jordan.
Wasn’t there something here for me to reply to?
Not anymore my friend
Been listening to KNBR, and The Game, up to this point.
Bobby Hebert: He said this game was going to be like Joe vs Bobby Hebert. But, today, Drew Brees played like Marino in the postseason, while Smith – in turn, did his best Joe impersonation, for his first playoff game.
Joe Horn: The defense had to play a perfect game in order for the 49ers to win. The defense didn’t play perfectly, but played well enough, and still won.
I agree with your grades, Grant. I’ll mull over retrospective stuff, later; I’m too jazzed up about the win to really go in depth (if needed).
As far as game manager, Alex didn’t lose the game; Brees, and his teammates lost it. I really think that hit on Thomas DID set the tone for the rest of the day. It also helped having a gun-shy Sproles throughout the day, because of earlier fumbles.
Overall, I’d say: “what a difference coaching makes.” I can’t help but really think this 49ers squad, thanks to Harbaugh, is EXTREMELY prepared every game day.
AS managed the Niners to victory. Just like JM/SY/and every other great QB.
Just great San Francisco football!
A great game in it’s own right but what a well deserved payback to Payton and Williams for their low class blitz fest in that 1st preseason game this year. Karma.
So true and I heard Harbaugh has hard feelings against S Payton going all the way back to the Strike of ’87. (Payton crossed picket line angering Harbaugh)
You wanna live in peace? Fine, do NOT cross Harbaugh.
Nice dreams Sean…
This game, the ousting of the Saints is THE Perfect answer to the low class crap Payton pulled in the pre-season.
Sean, shove it, all the way…
Peyton? Payton? So what, me I done care…
For the Alex Smith haters I believe that crow is being served. I wonder how good he can get under the same offense next year. He made all the throws today. I am sorry for the way Vernon Davis and the way he acted after the game. He did not acknowledge Alex. He made some great plays, but he couldn’t do that if the ball wasn’t right on the money. Remember it is a team and not a one man show. The offensive line held up what it counted. I am also thankful that Roman didn’t get the Penn state job. Maybe we will have the same offensive coordinator for 2 years in a row. What a change that will be.
@Mavin
Interesting where one’s name which rhymes with day is.
He always found the blog after a poor AS showing (in his eyes).
After this game, a blinded from birth person could see that AS is a lot better than they thought.
VD gave his warrior QB his dues in press conferences
Still a little bit too much “me” Vernon’s responses. That coupled with the emotion after the winning touchdown draws eerie parallels to TO. Hope there are strong enough characters around to keep him grounded as he and the niners chalk up major accomplishments in the years to come
Vernon made that play for Vernon and I love that. He completely acknowledges AS in press conferences. The team is very close and that’s what it take to go to the SB. The team has talent and believes in themselves. There are no perfect rosters.
A Game For The Ages. Just enjoying the ride. Keep driving baby!
Everyone deserves an A+ today (well maybe not thr WR’s). Fantastic win. I think you were a little harsh on your defensive grades there, Grant. The d line made Brees uncomfortable all day.
Also, I didn’t hear the Alex chants on tv. If true, that’s great. Nobody deserved that win more than him. I’m very happy for that guy. I’d also be interested to hear Alex’s thoughts on the chant. What a roller coaster ride for that guy.
@Brad
I didn’t hear it either.
I was screaming ALEX, ALEX myself.
Had to laugh: one of the announcers on the 49ers.com highlights video says, “Hey, what if I told you guys, ‘You can’t give Alex Smith a minute [and] thirty-seven [seconds and expect to win the game].’” Shades of Joe Montana! LOL!
I have to brag a wee bit (as we say in Scotland) on what I’ve said all week on your blogs Grant and especially yesterday when I said that THE key to winning this game was Alex having the game of his life, a career game, a signature game, an “A” game and that I had a hunch that he might even come through with a “Montana game.” And darned if he didn’t do JUST THAT! Alex has made comeback plays all year (the TD pass to Vernon in the Detroit game to win the game in the last few seconds was a laser throw into a tight window, wasn’t it?) but this was in the playoffs against a team with a record setting, SB winning, future HOF QB. I would say this is the OFFICIAL start of this part of Alex Smith’s career (the actual start has been all year). Profootballtalk just called his play “sensational”, and it certainly was.
like i said in another post…..it really seemed like all the keys to wins that bloggers were spewing each and every one of them, like the one you espoused, were evident in this game , sprinkled throughout….
something for everyone to hang their hat on…..it was a feast and all niner fans got their fill
We’re no longer a QB away from a playoff win jordan. With the receiving corps playing awful today, Alex and Vernon delivered when it counted the most. Niners can’t win in a shootout? JUST DID. Alex can’t win the game for the Niners? JUST DID. The Niners can’t stop the ‘Who Dat’ nation? JUST DID. This team has answered the doubters in just one playoff game.
@midwest
The WR’s did not have a great or even good day.
4 drops. 3 by MC. He can’t do that again. But AS saved them!
Lol, the ( yes Alex) behind my name was a challenge I put up for all Alex supporters to put. I guess you know where I stood.
Im going to take it off now or maybe I’ll wait, lol superstition I guess.
Great game people, awesome atmosphere. I called that naked bootleg right before it.
If we end up playing against GB, we know our offense can score. My only concern is a lack if killer instinct. We should have put them away in the first half and they should have never led this game especially how our D was playing.
Andy lee had an off day; not sure why because he was booting it during warm ups.
The Smiths had a huge day.
Excited about next week, can you believe we are only one game away from the superbowl? Wow!!
Big Niner: Just to comment on something you said I fully agree with. Notice what the Pats did today when they werthe leaguee up 28 – 7 with time running out in the 2nd quarter. They had in fact already won the game, no sane person could even imagine how the Broncos could have gotten back in it (ok, return three interceptions for TDs – ha), but Belichik threw for and got another TD. They didn’t need to remain agressive in that game, but it’s a mind set. I think maybe 30 other coaches in the NFL would have run out the clock. But if you’re playing the Saints, Packers or Pats (or even the Giants), you STAY aggressive. Gee, another Super Bowl would be sweet!!
+1
Who got it better than us?
NOBODY!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait for next week. I don’t care who Niners play; they’ll beat ‘em. Best team us fans have rooted for in a long time.
“No more calling Smith a junior game manager. He beat Drew Brees. Junior game managers can’t do that.”
Cannot wait to see him eat some crow with he next post. Niners are a “QB” away from a playoff win? Well we won today so whats that say about Alex?
Statement withdrawn. Read your post on the other column. I am glad to see you man’d up to being wrong Jordo, not everyone on this blog would.
Adam707,
I Can’t fight when I have nothing to fight with. I have to bow down. How do you argue with what Alex Smith did today?? I can’t!
Honestly what a game! I’ve been a niner fan as long as i can remember but unfortunately being as young as i am…19, i really didnt hit my prime as a fan until the very end of the garcia days and into the rattay, dorsey, and early alex smith days (seems like so long ago right?). I gotta say i didnt know how i was going to be able to handle the emotions of such a huge big stage playoff game. Throughout the game, it was almost like being on a roller coaster. The lows and highs, unreal. Just wanna thank our 49ers for the best game of my life. I remember watching the TO catch from young way back when but i cant quite recall how it felt…im sure it mustve been similar to this. GO NINERS!!!!
Welcome to Dynasty III, kid! You’ve just experienced what it felt like pretty much week in and week out watching Joe and then Steve juggernaut us into the play-offs year in and year out. Thanks for sharing those feelings. Glad you had the opportunity to have them.
Delanie Walker should be back next week:D
i’ve been watching the 49ers since about 1966/19767. i cant recall seeing a team like this, or a team which wins in the way this team wins. i never thought i would see the Niners find a new way to win, but this team has. frankly, we win in what i would call a preposterous fashion: the team fights like hell, then looks completely inept for long stretches (on offense), and then just when i’ve convinced myself to be happy with witnessing 5 Super Bowl wins, they do something amazing again. This is a confounding team, and in their own strange way watching them is just as gleeful as watching the completely dominant ’84 team, or watching Steve Young finally get the monkey off his back. for the last 2-3 minutes of this game, i was just laughing out loud. This Niner team proves that as soon as we think we know something, as soon as we’ve figured something out, its changed. Anything is possible if you fight for 60 minutes.
grades? hell, i had Alex pencilled in for a C or D before he pulled this out. i dont think the play calling is to blame, i think great players make plays happen. but that’s exactly what the young man did, with both his legs and his arm. the way he stuck that pass to VD at the end was just poetic. if i may say, he looked like a different Alex – an athlete, a predator, a guy who saw an opening and made a play. we’ve seen that Alex before, mostly last year when we got way behind. i hope we see more of this Alex as time goes on.
i’d give the secondary higher grades. we were playing the Saints, after all. and Brees had massive amounts of time on many plays, and couldnt find receivers.
away from that, here’s how i feel about being a Niner fan: i’m grateful. not only have i had the chance to see what i’ve seen in my life, but they keep showing me all new things. nobody has it better than me.
@fesnyc
AS actually did it last year to NO as well. The D couldn’t hold.
yeah, when Alex has to throw, when he’s unleashed, he’s surprisingly good.
just watched Vernon Davis collapse into Harbaugh’s arms again after the catch. if that doesnt warm your heart, nothing will.
Makes you wonder what AS can do if he had NO playmakers and our defense. WOW.
That was in my first post DS94. The WRs were atrocious today. Crabtree has got to catch the ball. Davis was awesome. He bailed the WRs out BIG TIME. Alex was flat out a cold-blooded killer today. The defense was very stout. The secondary has some amazing plays, but also gave up too many big plays. Not complaining though. I’m too hyped-up about that great win today.
Crabs had a weak game today. i’d like to think he will come out loaded for bear in the next game though.
“were a QB away from a playoff win” -23J-
“jr game manager can’t and won’t beat the Saints” -23J-
Pardon me clown?
You had a couple of drops today crabs! Nice game though!
Bow down son, bow down! Feels so good right now to be a Niner fan, but a Niner fan who always believed in the one guy who delievered. This was a classic game and now you move forward with a tainted outlook on Alex. You never believed and thats what being a fan is all about because eventually, these rags to riches stories always come through, and you chose the negative pespective until he deleivered. Sad to be you!
NFL Network doesn’t think the Niners can beat the Packers. No respect whatsoever.
Good. Little do they know we will be playing ny next week. Screw the media. This is a faithful thang. Do need don’t want don’t care about their respect.
Did the NFL Network call the Niners to beat the Saints?
Honey Badger don’t care what NFL Network says.
:)
@Adam
I think you are starting to have a mild obsession with “Wild, Wild America” or a fondness with one of a few animals that have no natural predators least they have a death wish.
Marty Stouffer.
Is that the same Stouffer that makes the frozen dinners, what we used to call “TV dinners”? Always wondered what was in them. Now I know . . .
I liked Wild Kingdom better.
Marlin Perkins always sent Jim Fowler out to the front tip of the Land Rover. Always felt bad for Jim, he got the dangerous crap assignments: “Jim tries to coral the angry rhino…”
Always wanted Jim to turn around and say something like, “screw that! You stick your arm down the Croc’s throat!”
:P
We just won the biggest game in 10 years. It’s a new year, and a new and promising outlook for our team.
C’mon, ‘Faithful’ let byegones be byegones and the attacks put to rest.
I’ts a fresh start for all of us, time to enjoy this ‘ride’ TOGETHER!
amen, brother.
AES,
I couldn’t agree more.
Let’s forget that the legitimate REASONS for no one really knowing what AS could, or couldn’t do, being called Alexcuses.
Let’s forget about AS being called a Jr. Game Manager.
Let’s forget it being said the 49ers could never win with AS at QB.
Let’s forget it being said the 49ers could never get into the playoffs with AS at QB.
Let’s forget it being said that the 49ers could never win a playoff game with AS at QB.
Let’s forget it being said that if the 49ers defied all the odds, made it to the playoffs with AS at QB, and somehow, by through some kind of miracle, won a playoff game, it would be in spite of AS, rather than because of AS.
There’s much more to forget, I’m sure, but since it’s all forgotten, who cares.
What a great win. A double come from behind victory. How sweet it is!
Most of the references you are alluding to came from ‘one’ person. Should have never become such a big deal to begin with. Let’s face it, we gave these comments ‘life’ by always debating them.
But agreed, it was a huge victory, and it’s time to move on.
AES,
While these comments were primarily from one person, there were others who consistently suppported both that poster and his posts. You seriously can’t be saying that only one person used the term “Smither” in a derisive way for anyone who dared to even be luke warm on Smith, can you? I could go on, but to what end?
We do agree on one thing, it’s better to move on, but to say it was mostly one person pounding on AS is just not correct.
Ex, you are correct, there were more than a few that used the term ‘smither’ but I was responding to your Jan. 15, 12:33 am post. I may have missed it, but I didn’t see the term ‘smither’ in your comments, hence my reference to the one person making the comments you were alluding to.
On a different topic. I’ve been thinking about what term or phrase to best describe Saturdays big win. The “Catch III” seems to be the favorite and I certainly couldn’t argue with that one. But after listening to Ted Robinson’ end game comments he said something that caught my attention. He called it the ‘game of redemption.’ I loved that statement, because when you combine everything that Alex and the entire organization has gone through over the past 10 and (in Alex’ case 7) years, this was truly “THE GAME OF REDEMPTION!” This could stand next to the afore mentioned as well as stand next to phrases like The Holy Roller, The Immaculate Reception, The Music City Miracle and many others.
Grant, did Crabtree have any key blocks in the game?
i saw other blocks MC executed but i truly thought he had that seal block on AS TD run…….but grant says it was KW
It was KW. Dilfer was talking about it on nfl primetime. Great play
Bill Walsh won with Class. The Niners would go up against the baddest teams (and their fans) and win with dignity. Vicious remarks are done by cowards that hide in cyberspace. In order to get respect you have to give respect.
I was so happy, even when we fell behind in the last few minutes, I thought win or lose it has been a great season and we are back. Now we can think Super Bowl. It does not matter who we play. But it seems that there may be a road sign somewhere, someplace that says, Super Bowl destination, through NY and………….Baltimore.
The only grade that matters: Team grade A+
The best 9er game in the last 10 years and maybe in the 9ers All Time Top 10.
I personally want to see them take on Green Bay, embarrass them, then smack around the Ravens in the Super Bowl.
I have a feeling this is the year Brady and the Pats return to the SB. But heck, I’d be just as happy to play the Texans!!!
Crabtree did a good job on his touchdown. I therefore my Crabtree bashing and hope he, Kyle, and Vernon baffle the Packer secondary.
I’ve been trying to come up with some objective grades and thoughts on todays game, but I can’t.
I’m with Street – this game was such an incredible victory for the team – have to give everyone an A++++++++++++++.
Alex, Vernon, Special Teams, Justin, and Aldon would get a few extra +++++++++++++’s though!!!!
Once again an NFC West team cuts down a favorite in the playoffs. So much for being the weakest division.
The same team by the way.
Who would have thought we would see vintage-Joe Montana and vintage-Steve Young in the same day?
nice to have a potential legacy jump start that harkens back to the glory days where it is ok to mention AS in the same breath as JM and SY
I guess that’s the 49er QB standard, now. Throw the game-winning CATCH with just a few seconds remaining in a playoff game. Montana, Young, Smith…ho-hum.
the last 5 minutes: Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs “The Hit Man” Tommy Hearns
actually H vs H was an 8 minute battle…but y’all get the picture.
What should we call that touchdown? Any ideas Niner Faithful?
This just in: Vernon Davis is calling it “The Grab.”
“That Catch”
The Redeemer.
guess i am going to have to go back and check out AS TD run……i thought it was crabtree that delivered the seal block that gave AS an angle to get through the swing gate of 3 or 4 NO defenders……it was neat to watch in my mind it was like that gate was swinging shut but AS was ahead of it and it closed and pushed AS past the last defender that staley blocked
little Kyle Williams did a crackback on the D-end, and Staley got downfield to take out the safety. just great stuff all around
I thought they were going to flag Staley becausehe hit the defender below the knees, great non call, love the out come!
no it was MC i looked at the replay again
Not ashamed to admit a tear rolled down my cheek after that catch. 9 years of horrendous play. 9 years of mediocrity, 9 years of pain. All of that is gone. I got to admit I was telling one of my boys at the time of the last drive. “this is where legends are born and where they excell. It’s been 7 years and his time is right now”. And just kept telling myself and my neighbors in the seats this is 81 all over again and I know how this ones ends. 1 minute and 20 seconds later it happened. The nervousness of big moments are forever gone. And I’m cool with that. Smith is finally doing what we all wanted him to do in the beginning. Good for him. I’ve said show me Alex in the past, and he’s been doing it all year. But nothing as huge as today. I have always been proud to be a 49er fan. But today I showed that pride with some arrogance. Wheeew. I can’t wait to get home and watch this on the dvr.
Cheers faithful. We are going to the NFC championship game.
Something about this team and this time is very emotional.
NinerMD, you were not alone. I had tears rolling down and a feeling of relief or total JOY. I have followed this team since i was a boy and after 8 years of misery the emotions were unreal!!! I have lost my voice but it was worth it. I can not imagine how VD and Alex must have been feeling. GO NINERS
I’ve been as harsh as 23j about Alex. But I have to hand it to him, he did it. I’d liked to have seen the team score a lot more off four first- half turnovers, but Alex came through and so did VD.
A little OT, but the NFC West will be the strongest division in two years. with Fisher in St. Louis, Carroll in Seattle, a strong Arizona team on the rise and the torch-hot Niners a bunch of young studs, the NFL Network might think of moving west. Those clowns — Mooch excepted — are gonna hate that.
I am so happy for this team, specificlly Alex Smith. The entire NFL and the media could not have ever imagined that Alex Smith would put the team on his shoulders and score a winning TD to help the team advance to the NFC championship. Alex has earned my respect and I wish him all the success in the world. And how about JIM H!!!
JED you are the man for hiring the most amazing coach to lead this team. THANK YOU
GO ALEX and the NINERS
I would give the D-Line an A but hey we won and thats all that matters.
Grant do u think it would be wise for the Niners to go after free agent Carl Nicks from the Saints during free agent period?
Harbowl II? The stadium yesterday was GREAT! Unlike the Dallas and Gaints game, there were hardly any Saints fans there and the ones that were there were hiding by either wearing just black or just a hat. At least Dallas fans wear there colors proudly.
I was very proud before the game that all the ticket holders did not sell out and went to the game. I have had season tix for 18 years and there were guys on either side of the tailgate that had them since 1971 and 1976. It was a true showing of some of the best fans that did not “sell-out”! When old-school fans show you know it is going to be good! What a sweet day!
The bay area has been starving for playoff football for a decade. I was proud to be part of the ravenous crowd that was there to support my team yesterday. It was a privalege and one that I will remember for my whole life. A legendary game that I will tell my grand kids about one day.
I’ve been to the biggest games at the stick.
The Catch, The Catch 2, N.Y. Giants comeback and now this game. Emotionally this game was different than all of them. It’s tough to describe the emotional rollercoaster of the 4th quarter and the effect it had on the entire stadium.
Grades
QB A-
I thought long and hard before posting this grade. Without the 4th Quarter I would have Given Alex a C which is what he had been all season, average at most things and only being excellent at not turning the ball over. I was frustrated all game because the defense and special teams had handed the offense 5 turnovers. Our offense has to repay our defense for doing all the hard work. Yesterday they didn’t and it forced us once again to be in a dog fight. One that wasn’t necessary.
I’ve said in the past that Alex Smith has had some mediocre moments, some good moments but that what he lacked where “great” moments. Yesterday Alex Smith finally got his great moment and it happened when he desperately needed it the most. The swagger Alex showed after his TD sweep run was great to see. To finally be able to let lose and enjoy the success of his moment was awesome. To take the ball with 1:37 seconds and hit the two big passes to Vernon was legendary. From this point on whether Alex moves on to become a great QB or not, he owns a legendary moment that will never be forgotten.
RB B
These guys are warriors. To do what they did against a stacked box the the entire game was amazing. They finished every run fighting for yards. Frank Gore is a beast. He is out there with some sort of injury and still continues to sacrifice himself for his team. I saw Frank several times during the game walking gingerly and in pain. I am sure when the season is over we will find out more about the details of the injury. His long run in the 4th was “beast”.
WR F
In the biggest game in 10 years, this group completely disappeared. Crabtree had his worst game as a pro. I am not going to harp on this too much because this group had been pretty good all season. They are a young group and luckily will get a chance to redeem themselves next week. It almost seemed like the moment ( playoff atmosphere ) was too big for them.
O Line B-
This group didn’t do as bad a job as I first thought. You have to realize that they faced a stacked box and a multitude of blitz’s the entire game. It is the offenses responsibility to beat that pressure and forced the Saints to change strategy which we did not. They came up big in the end and gave Alex the time he needed in the 4th quarter to help win the game. The lead block on Alex’s sweep by the Oline was “beast”.
TE A++++
Vernon Davis had his moment this game as well. I don’t have words yet to describe what he did on this day. The individual effort that he came up with was also legendary. It’s what great players do and he did it. It was hard not to get emotional when you watched him and Harbaugh in an emotional embrace. Would love to know what they said to eachother in that moment.
Defensive Line A-
Hero’s every one of them. They gave an effort in the first half that should have made this game a laugher. They weren’t consistent with their pressure of Brees, but they chose their moments well. I watched Justin Smith bull rush an O-lineman, and with his free hand grab the QB and disrupt the pass. He is a man amongst boys. He is fierce and he is a force. Aldon Smith I love that I have the privilege to watch you play. You will only get better and better.
Linebackers B-
These guys along with the D line stopped the run all day. They were as great as they have been the entire season in this area. Unfortunately their one blown coverage on Sproles out of the backfield gave up a long touchdown that put us in a bad position. Overall though they forced the Saints to be one dimensional held the most dangerous offense in football in check for most of the game.
DB’s C
This group gives you some good, some bad, and some great. Their missed tackles and missed assignments in the 4th quarter showed that they are a good defense, but not a dominant defense. During the 4th quarter when the Saints had to score TD’s, this group allowed long passes time and time again, and missed tackles time and time again. Can’t happen. I will however say that our lack of blitzing coupled with our lack of pressure at teams leaves this group in very vulnerable positions.
Special teams A
David Akers will go down as the best kicker in Niners history and one of the top five every to play the game. He has been great and consistent all year. He’s money. Special teams got us a turnover which was huge. Love watching these guys whip themselves into a frenzy before we kick it off.
Coaching B-
The offensive and defensive play calling were bland during the middle of the game. They are also responsible for leaving us in a dog fight. I hate the lack of urgency on offense. We had to know that if we continued to give the ball back to Brees he would win the game for the Saints. Well, he almost did. I would have loved to have seen Alex run more by design in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. More first downs and one more score in the 3rd would have made us not have to pull out the 4th quarter heroics. Nice playcalling in the 4th though.
Would also like to see a bit more blitzing by the defense. Just a bit more risk to help our DB’s out. Looking forward to a Giants victory today so we can get one more game at the stick…..
But were you tall enough to see the catch this time? ;-)
After Alex’s great throw and catch by Vernon I stood up. I looked upwards, closed my eyes and soaked in the roar if the crowd.
Everyone once in their lifetime should have the opportunity to experience a moment like this…
Two comebacks against an elite QB. I agree with Grant, A+ for 9er QB play is more fitting after all it is all about WINNING! Clutch!!!!
After seeing the 3rd best game ever (Garcia Giants game distant 4th), maybe they should KEEP Candlestick around as an NFL national monument. The 9er magic that has taken place in that ugly palace has been incredible! The Stick!!!!!!!
Smith actually set some sort of record with the two 4th quarter comebacks. It’s never been done apparently.
It’s fitting that it happened with the Niners and it also goes a long long way in healing the sins of the past, in my opinion.
The redemption of Smith is an awe-inspiring story. Like I said before the season started, I’m a sucker for a good comeback story. The underdog beats the odds and comes out on top. That’s what legends are made of and Smith did it yesterday.
Looked like in the replays that Goldson was man on Sproles on the long TD. Willis also had a tough time covering Graham on those high throws. Dont think any LB could stop those.
Wow, Bay….you’ve seen:
1. The Catch
2. The Catch II
3. Comeback Against the Giants
4. The Catch III
I mean, that’s it. The Niners should just put you in the Fan Hall of Fame. Amazing.
Hofe, (lol) I never considered myself going to the ‘dark side.’ I’ve been a 49er fan since I was a young boy and going to their games at Kezar. I watched gladiators like Roland Lakes, Ken Willard and Dave Wilcox, and every 49er player since. Why i’m tagged a ‘dark side’ fan is kinda baffling. I’ve used that term for some of my family members who have jumped ship and become raider fans.
Sorry for the serious turn here, but all the issues with the blog tensions and attacks have been centered around the fact that some fans aren’t as committed to ‘some’ players as are others.
I may not be in ‘full support’ of some players (O.J. Simpson, Steve DeBerg, Clifton McNeil, and Rashawn Woods, Kantwan Balmer, just to name some), but as a ‘Faithful’ that should be my prerogative. If we could somehow get past the fact that some fans may not be on the same page with others regarding certain players, without the disparaging remarks this blog may clean itself up.
As i’ve said before, I like i little ‘edginess’ and friendly banter. But when it crosses the line and becomes personal attacks the fun bantering comes to an abrupt stop.
Yesterday was our biggest win in 10 years, and lo and behold, the bickering begins a half hour after the win.
Even ‘Who Dat’ the Saints supporter showed more restraint and grace then we as 49er fans did.
It’s time we ‘check ourselves.’ Yes, that begins with me!
AES, I was JK…don’t be so sensitive.
Say What? Clifton McNeil? I’m an old time 49er fan from the Kezar days and remember him. He led the NFL in receiving the one year he started for us, came over from Browns right? Then we drafted Gene Washington and he became the focus of Brodie’s passes. Maybe I just don’t remember any trouble Mcneil got into.
*a little*
First it was stop Gore & make Alex beat you; now it’ll be stop Vernon & make the wide receivers beat you!
Alex played with one arm tied behind his back with how poorly the WRs played. Thank gosh for Vernon, but GB/NYG will be doubling him big time!
No offence taken Hofe. I know you were just kidding. My vent wasn’t really directed towards you. You have never resorted to attacks and have supported your posts with stats. Much respect bud.
The Empire is Back!
I’d give higher grades to all but the coaching. In the second and third quarters when the Saints were closing the gap they needed to do something on third and long other than dump it off to a back two yards beyond the line of scrimmage–let a wide receiver run off a defensive back beyond the first down marker then come back to that marker for the reception, or run some sideline route. I mean, why not just quick punt?
Maybe a tad of an overstatement to claim that this was Crabtree’s worst performance? I mean dude did catch a TD if I recall. True he had 2 bad drops, but I’m not going to blame him on that third when he got lit up. That said, we’ll need him to step up his play Sunday if were going to win. I’m sure NY will focus in on VD and make other players beat them. Hopefully Crabtree & Williams are up for the task! *I’m assuming Ginn might not be able to suit up*