As we examine the details of team building this offseason, let’s also look at the big picture, just for fun.
How do the Niners match up against the Green Bay Packers, their first opponent next season?
NINERS DEFENSE VS. PACKERS OFFENSE: Green Bay may have the best offense in the NFL, but it doesn’t match up well with the Niners defense because Green Bay’s offensive line simply isn’t good enough. They cut 35-year old LT Chad Clifton this offseason, so 23-year old former fifth round pick Marshall Newhouse will have to try to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blind side next season. Newhouse gave up 10.5 sacks and 41.5 pressures in 2011, and he’s supposed to block Aldon Smith? No chance. The Niners’ rush will be on Rodgers in less than three seconds every play, and the Niners secondary is good at covering receivers for three seconds. Rodgers mostly wants to throw to Greg Jennings, but Jennings will have a tough time getting open. He’ll either line up against Carlos Rodgers in the slot – a very tough matchup for any receiver – or he’ll line up outside and face man-underneath coverage – a form of double coverage. Either way, the Packers will have a tough time moving the ball against the Niners elite defense.
Advantage: 49ers.
NINERS OFFENSE VS. PACKERS DEFENSE: Green Bay gave up an NFL record number of passing yards last season, but the Packers drafted a pass rusher, Nick Perry, to pair with their other stud pass rusher, Clay Matthews, so their pass D surely should improve next season. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers loves to call creative blitzes, and he has the talent to confuse and overwhelm the young, inexperienced right side of the Niners line – a strategy the Ravens and the Cardinals used to beat SF last season. In the secondary, Charles Woodson still has the talent to shut down any 49er receiver he’s lined up against. The Packers D is mostly vulnerable to Vernon Davis, so they’ll most likely double team him by bringing the strong safety into the box. That’s the blueprint for stopping the Niners offense, and the Packers can execute it. For the Niners to beat the blueprint, Alex Smith will have to make accurate deep throws to Randy Moss and Mario Manningham outside the hash marks.
Advantage: Packers.
This will be a close, low-scoring game that will be decided by a couple of plays, probably turnovers. I think the Niners have the edge because their elite unit – their defense – is better than the Packers elite unit – their offense.
Over the next few days I will post previews of the Niners against each of their NFC West opponents for your offseason fun and hopefully edification.
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Grant, your forgetting one thing in the mix which is the 9ers run game. I predict that the 9ers will use a fair amount of play action passing to freeze the defense and create windows for Alex to throw.
Usually in the first several games, the team that has a stronger defensive tone will win. Let’s not forget that the Packers had one of the worst defenses last year, adding just one linebacker doesn’t fix all their problems.
This could turn out to be a mid scoring game with a field goal or safety deciding the game.
The Packers run D is decent.
@Grant:
The Packers run D is decent.
Not according to Football Outsiders. According to their rankings, the Packers run defense is ranked 30th in adjusted line yards, 24th power run success, and 30th in run stuffing.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/dl
Grant
What did they give up average wise?
Because their offense got ahead of teams (really bad D) so quickly, total yards given up rushing means little. I thought the Giants in both games had done well running the ball on them.
Thanks claude.
The biggest advantage that no body ever puts in the mix is delanie walker! If they double Vernon delanie will have a big game! (fantasy gem week one)
Walker had 19 catches ALL of last year. That number will probably be about the same in 2012 with the other new weapons they added.
He is more of a factor in the running game helping run out of 1 back sets.
You also didn’t mention anything about special teams, unless I missed it. Niners had the best in the league last year and they contributed “big-time” to the Niners best-in-the-league field position average…which BTW accentuates how bad their offense really was last year…lots of short fields and they still had trouble scoring. But I digress :)
Finals over soo bored hope i could have Cohn job.
Wahchin all the media coverage it seem intangible edge retains with 49ers everyone is humble and they seem calm and ready. Alex will not have better #s but he’ll have less or = interceptions and will win the game.
IF Alex beats Aaron … will it be the first time he does so ?
Sure hope it happens .. cuz
I have a T-Bone steak riding on this game ! .. lol
He came damn close 2 years ago. Had that big comeback to pull them within 3(?) with like 6 minutes left in the 4th and shockingly the Niners defense could not get a stop at all…too much off coverage by the DBs. Packers wr’s were getting receptions of 6, 7, 8 yards. Hated when they would play off coverage.
He’s only played him, what, twice at most? Not enough to get a handle on things. Especailly since the Niners have had 3 difrerent HC’s in all this time.
If we play the Pack and AR’s every year like the Niners would the Giants in the 80′s, then that counts as something.
Alex beat Rodgers in the 2005 draft . ;)
Tim, that’s exactly what I was thinking :)
The nice thing about the schedule is that the Niners get to go to Lambeau in what will probably be good weather. The Packers will have no real advantage other than the crowd. If the Niners can take that first game, it will set them up very nicely for the rest of the first half of the season.
Agreed +1
Harbaugh and staff all summer long to prepare against the Green Bay staff: Advantage 49ers.
@Grant
Can’t wait to see who you think the starting QB’s will be of each team!
AZ – Kolb or Skelton?
GB – Flynn or not?
St. Louis – Bradford gets over injury/ew OC or not?
*injury/new*
“GB – Flynn or not?”
Not. Flynn no longer plays in GB.
@Grant
Jack isn’t getting it.
We appear to have locked up Andy Lee for six more years, this will help with the def. even more!
Where did you hear that “You rebelscum.”
:- )
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7963359/san-francisco-49ers-sign-punter-andy-lee-extension, He DS, it was on the espn feed, I think I have the link but I can’t get to paste correctly, I diffently want to remain a “rebel” to overcome the empire, errr our democracy where they are not supposed to over tax us, anyway hope this helps!
I can’t spell, I meant to say Hey Ds, it looks like the link or feed will take you to the small story on Andy Lee.
Tjunjs rebolskum
We all make the typo. As long as it is a typo which doesn’t insult somebody/change meaning of your thought, think nothing of it.
:- )
SF — ?
The answers are obvious:
AZ: Kolb
Seattle: Tarvaris Jackson starts the year, Flynn finishes it
Lams: Bradford
Lambs?
This game will b like last years m.o. The niners d shutting down the run, getting enough pressure for a turnover or two, and Harbaugh and Roman looking to expand on what success the new playmakers can contribute. Its hard telling what Alex and his new group of WRs can get done, but i like i chances in this one cause we got plenty of time to gameplan, and half this game comes to coaching. Advantage: us. Niners 28 Packers 24
GC,
I would add in the fact that there will be a different 9er offense this year. Added WR and RB playmakers, better play at OL, matchup packages, etc. Which/what film will the pack watch to defend the current 2012 offense? The packers offense and defense will be virtually the same. I give the 9er offense the advantage over the packers D.
The 49ers defense did an excellent job of limiting high powered offenses in 2011, and should do the same here. Rodgers will get his yards, but eliminating the big play and playing good Red Zone D will be the key.
On offense they match up real well. The Packers were middle of the road in rush defense ~ 111 yds/g, and dead last in pass defense. The 49ers should be able to establish the run, and with the added offensive weapons take advantage of the D should they try to double Davis.
It will be a tight game. Prediction: 49ers 24 Packers 17
@Jack:
I am hurt that you don’t immediately read my comments and commit them to memory. The Packers’ run defense actually was bottom quarter in 2011. Teams did not run for many yards against them because most teams fell behind quickly and had to pass a lot to try to catch up.
Claude,
The Packers were ranked 14th against the run last year. That puts them in the top half. I understand the falling behind thing, but 111 yards/g sets up nicely for the 49ers.
Jack:
What I am saying is that the total number of rushing yards that the Packers gave up last year is not an accurate measure of their 2011 run defense. If you don’t want to rely on the FO rankings, just look at the average yards/rush rankings. The Packers were 26th in the league, allowing 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. At that rate, if the 49ers ran the ball 30 times against GB (the 2011 49ers averaged 31.1 running plays per game), they would rush for 141 yards.
That sets up even more nicely for the 49ers.
That’s awesome Claude. All the more reason to feel confident heading into week 1.
Game MVP – P Andy Lee
……..49ers sign P Andy Lee to contract extension…..
andy lee punts that go inside the 20 can put the Packers back on their heels. when inside the 20, teams tend to play a bit more conservatively and favor the run which plays in to the Niner’s defensive strengths.
Most teams would.
But the Pack are not most teams.
Niners need to improve on 3rd down conversion effeciency and can’t rely on getting the same field position advantage they enjoyed last year.
Grant, this is the second post in the past week where your offensive analysis completely ignores the Run Game. Which is odd since the backbone of the Niner’s offense is the Run Game. Remember that even the Packer’s vaunted passing offense is still complimented and sets up their pass game (keeps opposing defenses honest…plus allows them to play more conservative in certain parts of the field like inside their own 20 and at the goal line). So if the Niner shutdown their run game it makes the Packer more one dimensional and predictable which aids the Niner Defense. Linemen know to pass rush in more obvious passing situations, DBs know they can keep things in front of them on 2nd and 3rd and longer downs.
Packer rush defense ranked #14.
Rush Yards/G Ranked #14
The zone blitz has vulnerabilities to Power Run Games. In terms of statistics, their offense had to face the Martz Bears Offense and the Lions inept run game twice year last year each.
Not down at Santa Clara for the OTAs?
Even when we had great QB’s in the past Green bay was tough to beat, from magic man to Fahr and now Rodgers. But our defense is lights out, we should give them a decent game, as long as we don’t have to kick 6 field goals. That won’t work.
Green Bay didn’t have a good defense last year at all, but they did make teams turn the ball over. Few people realize that they forced 38 turnovers, the same as the 49ers.
@BigP:
Yes, that’s true, but 31 of those 38 turnovers were interceptions. Only 7 were fumble recoveries, which is all the more reason to run the ball down GB’s throats.
Got to remeber most teams are playing catch up against the Packers so the ball is in the air more thus chances for interceptions climb. Alex didnt throw many interceptions last year.
Grant,
You forgot the Niners Special Teams which were the best in the league last year and should be just as good this year. They are outstanding at changing field position and scoring or creating scoring opportunities.
Good call. Special teams could be the difference between those two teams.
Niners offense versus Packers defense: advantage Niners, reasons – Woodsen on Moss man coverage, double VD, that leaves Manningham, or Crabs, or Jenkins. Niners also have speed to the outside, and the defense wont be able to stack the box which opens the inside game. I am confident that Alex picks up his game to make this all happen.
Niners defense versus Packers Offense: Advantage Niners. Justin, Aldon Bowman, Willis, Rogers, Soap, McDonald, Goldson, Whitner, and others, no need to say anymore.
Coaching – advantage Niners – McCarthy been around and lots of film on his style. Harbaugh still has cards up his sleeve that we havnt seen yet.
Special Teams: advantage Niners the best last year and should be as good if not better this year.
Location: advantage Packers, the mystique is gone, the Niners are a very good road team. Time of year means a lot when playing in Green Bay.
Had me until the end
“Time of year means a lot when playing in Green Bay.”
If the mystique is gone, then so is the right/wrong time to play them.
@DS
To elaborate on that, the mystique is gone but when any warm weather teams travel to any of the Northern teams late in the year, playing is tough to do.
@undercenter
Mark Twain would disagree. Ever hear his quote:
“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in SF.”
: – )
@DS
That is a true statement as far as fans sitting around, but on the field eh dont think it applies. Plus I think we play at the most 2 games during the summer at the stick, and in Sept the weather is usually very good. I remember lots of games at the stick drinking beer to numb myself from the cold. (of course that was at Giant games in the summer brrrrrr)
@undercenter
Takeo Spikes once said that he prefers the cold over the heat. Because with all the pads and such, he says he gets a lot hotter than the fans in the stands.
Now I am sure he didn’t mean “Ice Bowl” type cold. But if you took a comfortable temperature for somebody he said it was better to play football if that temperature was lowered rather than increased.
Just his opinion. But it makes sense to me.
undercenter, “…the Niners are a very good road team.”
What a difference a year makes : )
This was a hallmark of those great teams in the 80′s and early 90′s. They were sometimes more dominant on the road than at home.
@Jack
Road toughness is paramont to winning championships and being a dominate team. Yes the Niners were damn good on the road back in the day.
Niners defense versus Packers Offense: Advantage Niners. Justin, Aldon Bowman, Willis, Rogers, Soap, McDonald, Goldson, Whitner, and others, no need to say anymore.
—
the pack has aaron rodgers (by far the best qb in the league) jennings, nelson, driver, jones, cobb, finley and kuhn. Good luck trying to stop all of them
I can’t do it. It’s too early for me to have a feel for 49ers/2012; lol.
I feel like each year’s team is different from the previous year. I need to see them line up together in pads, see their body language. After the third pre-season game I may have a guess about how opening day might go. Right now I’m in a wait & see mode about RG, as well as how they employ Moss, Manningham, James and Jenkins. My crystal ball is mostly cloudy at the moment.
Yeah. Let’s see how the offensive line chemistry is looking in late August before we even go there.
Don’t be surprised if this game starts out the same way the Saints playoff game started out… with a Defensive showing and the offense taking off. But, the one thing that will be different is Alex has WAY too many weapons to let a team hang around after each defensive stop.
First off, let me say I can appreciate these types of blogs. After all, it is a long offseason for die-hards. That being said, is it not a little premature to be previewing a game that is not going to be played for 3 months and 17 days? We have no idea at this juncture which team we be healthier after months of OTA’s, mini-camp, and preseason games. Madden 13 has not even hit the shelves.
On top of that, we don’t really know what this incarnation of the 49ers offense will look like. With these new weapons will Harbaugh and company go against their conservative nature and really open it up? I suspect we remain committed to the run with maybe some more shot plays. How will the OL play? One may think they will be better, but that requires a step forward from A. Davis, and good RG play. Losing Rachal was addition by subtraction IMO, but will Person (or Looney?) be better than Snyder? I hope so. If the OL does improve, will AS? If so, how much? Will his work on his mechanics translate to better accuracy? I think he will have his best season to date; in the neighborhood of 4000 yds, 25 TD’s and 12 INT’s, but that is pure speculation.
One could probably raise just as many questions about any team at this point. Each year there are teams that look better/worse on paper than they actually play, and I am sure this year is no exception. I get it, we have to pass the time, but this seems a little silly.
I agree, 9er. I think it is so much easier to just think of some BS article than to actually interview players and allow us to get to know the players a bit. It took ESPN to unearth the Patrick Willis story. All the Cohns want to talk about are how mean Harbaugh is….
I think Grant’s idea of looking at each game now is original. That means I like it. If it turns into another AS deal, I’ll tire of it quickly. But this keeps the blog busy with new material for for a good 1/2 month, what is so wrong with that?
It s all fun and games right now, no big deal, nothing is serious till that first game. So much can happen with injuries that changes the landscape.
Reports from OTA’S today are that Harbaugh says he is going to give Boone the first shot at landing the RG spot, and that the #2 QB as of now is CK.
Smith scoffs at lack of 300 yard passing games…
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2012/05/23/day-2-of-otas-smith-scoffs-at-300-yard-passing-mark/
He can scoff all he wants, but if he doesnt put up those games this season. He will be on a bus to Canada. If he thinks the defense and ST can save his behind this season. He’s on drugs. I think its safe to say that the FO and JH want to destroy teams this season and for now on. These close games arent always going to be in our favor…Eh Emmm NFC Title game???
Interesting that Alex compared himself to a rookie rather than someone like Aaron Rodgers (8 300yd games, 8-0 in those games) or Drew Brees (13 300yd games, 11-2).
Heck, even Rex Grossman on a horrible Redskins’ offense managed two 300 yard games and won them both.
Smith may scoff at something he’s never achieved but like it or not, it is the benchmark by which quarterbacks are measured in the modern NFL. It’s a passing league.
I’ll take wins. They’re more important than stats.
Your act has grown stale. He’s the team’s starting QB. Accept it and move on.
My “act” and “accept it” are the best you’ve got?
I “accept” that Crabtree will be back this year even though I don’t think much of him as a player. I “accept” that Randy Moss will be on the team even though he’s a cancer. I “accept” that Kyle Williams might be on the team even though his boneheadedness cost the team a super bowl.
I “accept” a lot of things about the team that I don’t particularly like. Including Alex Smith.
Plan B Alex may be the team’s starting QB this year but he’s done nothing to earn the arrogance he displayed in today’s interview. There’s a reason 31 teams just passed on the opportunity to sign him. Considering the way teams slobbered over Matt Flynn, Kevin Kolb and Matt Hasselbeck in recent years he might want to rethink that “productivity doesn’t matter” stance. It apparently matters to NFL GMs.
MSC,
Most of the time you’ve been pretty fair in your criticisms and although you are not a fan of Smith, you’ve usually not gone to the extreme. That’s why I’m blown away by what you said here.
Plan B Alex may be the team’s starting QB this year but he’s done nothing to earn the arrogance he displayed in today’s interview. There’s a reason 31 teams just passed on the opportunity to sign him. Considering the way teams slobbered over Matt Flynn, Kevin Kolb and Matt Hasselbeck in recent years he might want to rethink that “productivity doesn’t matter” stance. It apparently matters to NFL GMs.
I read a statement like this and I don’t get it. Every Alex Smith non supporter says they hate the fact he doesn’t exude confidence, isn’t a real leader etc. Now he shows some serious confidence in an interview and has the balls to say the truth about throwing yard stats and you rip him for being arrogant?
I don’t know what some of you want from this guy? He wins games people criticize him. He doesn’t turn the football over, people criticize him for a lack of passing yards. He speaks his mind confidently in an interview and he’s viewed as unworthy of exuding that confidence.
I’m also tired of this assumption that 31 other teams didn’t want him. That’s complete BS seriously. The fact is, everyone and their Mother knew he was going to resign with SF. The only reason he visited Miami was because the Manning to SF talks started heating up. If you honestly think no other teams would sign him, then you are too far down the hater road and are now not using common sense when forming an opinon about the guy.
I’ve long said I agree with both sides of the story on Smith, but to now see people criticizing him for arrogance? Seriously?
Rocket,
I don’t think what Alex said today displayed confidence. I also think that if he had the chance he would take the statement back. Reporters find different ways to ask questions to get the answers that they want. IMO all All wanted to do was to defend his lack of production. As if it were a model of success.
He would be much better off saying he needs to get better. He is in his 2nd year with coach H and he has lots of new weapons. That’s it. What he actually said was classless which is a surprise since the guy has always been a class act.
Bay,
I see it differently. He was asked for the 1000th time about the yardage totals and he spoke up and said what was on his mind, which also happens to be the truth in regards to the lack of effect passing yardage has on the outcome of a game.. That’s what I want to see out of him. You can tell he’s sick of hearing it when the team won 14 games. He’s developing a bit of an edge to his personality which is something he needs to do.
Oh and he also did say he and the passing game needed to get better. He said it numerous times in regards to 3rd downs and the Red Zone.
His point clearly was that the passing yardage thing is a non story because of the situations they were in most of the time. They often played conservatively starting pretty early on in games when they had a lead or were in a close game. He’s saying the yardage totals were irrelevant and he’s right. They won 14 games and should’ve gone to the SB playing that style. I’m sure they will be more aggressive this year with having more time in the system and the addition of better receivers, but he shouldn’t have to apologize for being the QB of a 14 win team.
Rocket, good points. Additionally, the writer on NFL.com updated his article making strong points that AS was correct in his wins versus yardage analogy.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829511e4/article/49ers-alex-smith-is-right-about-passing-yards
Regardless of how you feel about Alex Smith, he does not have the reputation of being an accomplished QB. Alex Smith is a very smart man, he knows how to answer the media properly. The criticism ultimately questions his abilities as a QB, yet he manages to shove the question aside by saying they played conservatively and when ahead they run to eat up clock. Yes the answer is acceptable because its something that many teams do. But in the case with Smith, because of his reputation as an unaccomplished QB, one could say the team had to play conservatively because they knew the extent of Smith’s abilities. Push with the running game, pin them deep with ST and allow the defense to stop the opponent, instead of relying on Smith. Theres always two sides to the coin. Ask yourself if Smith were as good as say, Rodgers, Brees, or Brady, would the team rely on him throwing the ball more? I think ultimately Harbaugh knew his limitations and drew up the perfect game plan. Wins are the most important. But the original purpose of the criticism was to ask if Smith is really good enough.
@Rocket it was not “confidence” when Alex denigrated Cam Newton in order to excuse his own lack of productivity. That was sour grapes and arrogance. He picked a low hanging fruit (rookie on a bad team) to scoff at an achievement he has not managed in SEVEN years.
Quite frankly, I was surprised. It was the first time I’ve ever heard an Alexcuse come from Alex’ mouth.
As for “everyone knew Alex would resign with the 49ers”… yeah. They sure didn’t “know” that during a window at the opening of free agency when the 49ers were chasing Manning. What stopped them was an $8 million per year offer that was public knowledge. No one wanted to match that for a guy that “might not beat out Matt Moore”.
Geno,
Be careful what you say about Alex Smith. The truth hurts up here but there are several people here who have lots of hope and faith in Alex Smith. It makes what you’re saying about him very difficult to believe.
I’ve told them the very same things about the coaching staff tailoring the offense around what they believe Smith could do. They don’t belive that. Just be careful. You don’t know about the Smithers yet. Keep preaching what you are and you will. lol.
msc,
He didn’t denigrate Cam Newton. How does pointing out that the Panthers did win with Newton having 300 yard games denigrate Cam Newton?
You are putting your own spin on what he said here. If you read the statement, it is not derogatory towards Newton at all. It is a response to the fact that big yardage totals don’t equate to victories. As I already said, Smith would have been better served not mentioning a specific player or team, but what he said was not antagonistic toward Newton.
In regards to Smith’s contract, you’re entitled to your opinion, but it was common knowledge that Smith would resign in SF. The fact he didn’t take any visits until late in the process clearly shows that. You don’t think Seattle would want to talke to him about going there? Or Arizona? He didn’t go anywhere until the Manning thing looked like it could happen, and even then he came back saying he would compete with Manning if it came to that.
Alex Smith is not viewed as a franchise QB around the league; no doubt about it. However, he’s not viewed as a week old pile of dog crap as some on here would like to believe either. If he had wanted to sign somewhere else, he would have had suitors.
“didn’t win”
@msc:
… or continue to be a d!ckhead about Smith. It’s a free country.
its not that what alex smith said is wrong. Its more that it came from Smith and not someone else. If Tom Brady have said the same thing it would hold stronger ground. Because Brady is an accomplish QB, so he gains creditability from his reputation.
Smith is not known to be a great passer, so someone who doesnt like Smith would read that and think its simply an excuse from a QB who couldnt cut it.
Wins are the most important statistic, but Smith (himself) wont gain the credit for the wins until he can show consistency. People will always say its because of the defense, or running game, or special teams.. ect
Smith’s comparison to Cam Newton, IMO doesnt hold true for Smith himself either. Because Cam is on a very bad team. He can not win it alone. Smith however is on a great team, and one could argue that if Smith could play better, their chances of winning the superbowl would be alot greater.
Geno,
If Smith had not brought up Cam Newton the comments would have come and gone, at least on a larger stage. There was no reason for him to bring him up.
Besides, his comment was both right and wrong. Winning is the most important stat, but there were also a lot of games won by QB’s who threw for 300 yards.
yea but the fact that he did say it, brings people to speculate on whether its true or not.
i dont disagree with you Jack Hammer. Theres too many factors besides passing yards that contributes to a win anyways. And ultimately everyone plays to win.
Last year was the first year Alex Smith has earned respect. And in the NFL, a player is going to be judged on what he’s been able to accomplish in his career. Unfortunately for Smith he has never been great, so after a comment like that, the critics will all say their piece.
Its just as i said, if it were Tom Brady who said the same thing. Passing yards not as important as wins, blah blah. I dont even know if it wouldve mattered because Brady is a top passer.
Jack,
Smith could’ve made his point without using names. He was cornered and he just misspoke. He will apologize to Cam before its all said and done if it hasnt happened already. Think about it the other way around. Think about Cam saying how many games he would’ve won if he were QB for the Niners or how many yards he would’ve thrown for. It’s the wrong thing to say either way.
Good point Jordo. If Cam had done that this blog would have blown up with people calling for his head. He would be public enemy number one…
Jack,
Maybe Alex thinks he’s earned his stripes after a mediocre year last year?? Maybe he is that confident that he will play better this year. I’ll believe it when I see it.
Do the 49ers play the Panthers this year? No? Too bad.
“Jon Beason @jonbeason
Alex smith, don’t hate on Cam Bc your stats would’ve gotten u cut if Peyton decided to come 2 San Fran.Truth b told..That’s after a 13-3 yr. “
Packer fan here. As professional as i can be, i got a bone to pick with some of the stuff you wrote. You make it sound like Jennings is the only WR that Rodgers throw to, yet Jordy Nelson had better overall numbers. The Packers have one of the deepest WR group along with a pretty good TE. As good as Carlos Rodgers is, he’s not exactly Derrell Revis and even if he were, he couldnt stop them all. Chad Clifton only played 6 games last year, so does it really matter if he’s no longer on the team? Rodger is the best QB at extending the play with his feet and making great passes on the run. Lets not underestimate his ability just because of bad blocking. We all know Rodgers makes them look a bit better than they really are anyway. I think the 49ers are a great team, but in your article i think you are underestimating Rodgers a bit. The only thing we agree on, is that this will be a close game. A good one at that.
Welcome geno
As a Packer fan, what are the odds that you won’t get nuked on a Niner blog?
As for your WR comment, there are many people here who think that their community college level football knowledge allows them the permission to say that WR’s skills don’t matter.
It is all the QB. As for the OL, their skill does not matter. Again, it is all the QB. Any great QB can do what they do without “elite OL/WR”. Again, it is the QB who gets the OL time and throws the WR’s open.
So, no skill is needed at all at the WR position. The QB throws the WR open. If the WR is not open, that is because the QB didn’t throw him open. It’s not the WR’s job to get open. The QB has to throw him open you see.
If the OL doesn’t block long enough for the QB to even set his back foot long enough before getting the bleep kicked out of him, that is the QB’s fault. After all, he didn’t get rid of it in time.
Sounds stupid? It is. Look back a bit, and you’ll also see that some here think that.
Thanks for welcoming me in. And im here because i actually like the 49ers, they’re my secondary team. Im allowed to read and respond like anyone else. If the fans feel immature and want to bash me, thats fine. Im prepared for that. It cant be any worst than the guys at NFL.com. first off i said the packers have one of the deepest Wr group. I didnt say they didnt have skills. The article states that Rodgers Mostly looks to Jennings which is wrong. I’ve never seen Rodgers force a ball to Jennings. He has plenty of other guys to go to. I acknowledge our offensive line is not great and that Rodgers makes them look better than they are, but nowhere did i say they were a bunch of idiots in cleats. My only general argument is that Aaron Rodgers is clearly underestimated in this article. I believe the 49ers defense is good enough to stop him. But it wont be like the article stated.
And no, i dont believe i sound stupid. I think its because you want to think whatever you will with what i wrote.
@geno
By the way, for pretty much all of AS’s career, his OL commonly gave AS 0 time (snot kicked out of him before he is set) and WR’s who don’t get open.
Yet even so, we were the best team last year who blew it at the end. Our offense is going to have a bunch of new faces. So last years tape skill position wise may as well be thrown out.
@geno
Misunderstood me.
I didn’t mean you sound stupid. But rather the ideas some commonly say here is (before you).
And sadly, I’ve seen other teams fans as being more optimistic and respectful of Niner players than some here have been
i guess that is where the misunderstanding lies. I get it that you’re responding to the most common replies on this blog. However im actually saying the article Grant wrote is a bit wrong. Im mostly responding to the article, not to the other comments. He’s underestimating Aaron Rodgers a good bit. The 49ers defense is good enough to stop the Packers, but Rodgers is also good enough to beat that defense. Its evenly matched in its respective way. Jennings is not the only good WR on that team, and Chad Clifton shouldnt even be mentioned because he’s irreverent. He didnt do anything for the Packers last year and they went 15-1. What makes Grant think it will matter if Clifton is gone? He only played 6 games last year, and some of which he didnt finish the game. Carlos Rodgers can babysit Greg Jennings all night, but someone else still has to take on the rest of the receivers.
I just dont think it will be as easy as Grant made it sound, thats all. But the 49ers defense will surely push the Packers offense.
Geno,
This game has the makings of being an instant classic. The Packers strength is offense and the 49ers strength is defense. That will be an awesome matchup to watch, and for 49er fans could be a precursor of things to come with all the top QB’s they face this year.
Make sure to come back around when the game gets closer.
geno
Thanks for clearing that up.
And anybody can beat anybody.
Last year, the backup QB of the Cards beat the Niners. And the weak Giant D held your offensive machine to very little.
People think games are played on stat sheets. If they were, the Niners beat the backup AZ QB and the Packers beat the middle-of-the-rung Giants D.
any given sunday, this game is pretty evenly matched, i dont see either team having much of an edge. Both teams have improved their weaknesses. Everyone should just watch and enjoy the show. Im only here because i disagree with some of the things Grant said. I know Grant is not a Packers fan. But everyone should know Jennings is not the only WR on that team and Rodgers doesnt sit there and take sacks all day. Lets be a tad more fair shall we?
Good comments Geno. I think the Packers win this game as much as it pains me to say. Opening day at Lambaugh, crowd at peak decibel, coming off of a season that ended in disappointment…the Pack will be really tough to beat. Should be a good one, but the Pack has had the Niners number for nearly two decades now. It will be tough to win that game.
thanks Rocket. I think the home crowd is always an advantage. However you’re wrong about the crowd noise in Lambeau. Its the second oldest stadium in the NFL. The way its built, there is too much open space. So as loud as the fans are the noise simply floats into thin air. While the newer stadiums have a way of bouncing noise off the walls (in a sense). Creating a much louder effect. Lambeau field is remodeling right now and they plan on fixing this so the home crowd can take advantage of the crowd noise. Along with some new score boards and such.
You are also correct about Packers winning the last few years, but both these teams are different now. I believe the 49ers have as good a chance as they’ve ever had. I still think this is more evenly matched than people believe.
Well, it looks like Geno has been introduced to the blog clown.
.
Geno,
You’re conversing with least knowledgeable Niner fan on this blog. Don’t waste your time.
lol, i came here because of my 49er buddy. This was the game that shouldve happen last year during the playoffs. A matchup we both were dying to see. Im excited to see this game be the very first game of the 2012 season. However i disagree with some of the things the writer (Grant) wrote, so i decided to respond. I have no bad intentions towards anyone, so i really dont mind as long as he (DS94everXev )can respond well.
Jordo,
How do you see the game playing out?
Jack,
I see our defense playing well early. I see their crowd keeping their defense on their toes. I’ve been to that stadium before. They have amazing fans. That home field advantage is significant Jack.
I think we are going to lose a close game because I don’t think our QB can come close to outplaying Rogers. I don’t think Smith can win a shootout against Green Bay. I think Rogers is going to get his opportunities against our defense. Our defense is great, their offense is great. I just don’t see Alex effectively using the weapons we have. I see him missing a lot and leaving a lot on the field. Just like he did last year. The game will be close but we may lose that one by 3- 6 points.
Thanks for the response Jordo. While I can see it possibly playing out that way I hope you are wrong : )
Jack,
Don’t get me wrong. I”m a diehard. I’m just not stupid. Green Bay is a good team and right now, their offense is still better than ours. We have yet to prove anything. We said Alex Smith had weapons last year. Nothing changed in terms of production. He ust didn’t turn the ball over as much. I’m a realist. He threw 5 picks but I saw 7 picks get dropped. The drops wouldn’t have affected the games either way but there were db’s dropping Smith’s picks. 2 in the Tampa game, 2 in the Raven game.
Smith is caple of having a good game every once in a while. He’s more capable of stinking it up. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Never said you were stupid Jordo, just that I hope you are wrong. That is going to be a tough matchup to start the year and I hope the 49ers come out on top. It is only the first game, but could be very important later as a tie breaker.
23jordan,
i like the things you’re saying (not because im a packers fan) But Because i also said the same thing about Alex Smith in particular.
mainly agreeing with you that Smith didnt turn the ball over alot, but there were alot of plays that he did not make when the opportunities where there.
you be surprise how hard it is for me to express an opinion about Alex Smith without a 49er fan thinking im just trying to bash their QB.
I think the 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL with the exception that they do not have a QB good enough to match the talent of the rest of the team.
Alex Smith is too inconsistent and i believe that actually hurts the potential of what the team can accomplish.
But this year the WRs are much better, so maybe they will be able to help Smith a bit. I cant see anything bad coming from upgrading your offense, so i think they will definitely improve
Geno,
I’ve been here for years and these clowns here think I hate the guy. I just know what Smith has been and what he’s given this team. Am I convinced he’s ready to make plays. Hell no. Last year didnt change my opinion of Smith.
I’ll give him props for the last 7 minutes of the Saint game. But even in that game he was inconsistent. He does not capitalize on opportunities. He takes them for granted. He does not have the fire to go for the throat. He is not Aaron Rogers. He never will be. I don’t care how many compliments JH gives him. He is still Average Alex. JH got him off bust status last year. He will be a backup next year and then all the Smithers on this blog will know who he was.
We went after Manning for a reason. To get us a super bowl. Alex cant win us a Super Bowl. Never will.
geno,
You don’t want to know what this Jordan character thought of our team’s and our QB’s chances were against NO in the playoffs. Ask him about the $1000 wager he was prepared to lay down against the 49ers.
thanks for the kind words. I think whoever wrote the schedules, knew that this game was the one everyone was waiting to see during the playoffs last year. Both teams IMO, were the two best teams in the NFL. This year might even be better because the Packers have done everything to fix their defense, and the 49ers have major upgrades to their offense. Everything points to both teams improving their weakness from last year. I dont give either team an edge. This could very well be the most evenly matched game of the year.
yea i know, Giants won the superbowl, somebody will argue that the best team is the one that won. Im not going to contest this here, but lets just say leading up to the playoffs at least. 49ers & Packers were the best. The one matchup i was dying to see
When the regular season ended, it seemed to me that both GB/SF were ignored. It was NO this, and NO that.
well if you think thats bad, the Giants won the superbowl and not a whole lotta hype about it lol. Not that im supporting the Giants or anything, but seriously when your team wins, you want all the glory and stuff that comes with it.
But with all the bounty issue floating around the Saints are now looked down on, so its not like people are saying nice things about them. Saints fans are trying desperately to defend their team, but if i were a fan, i wouldnt even know what to say really.
GB and SF may have been ignored a bit, but nobody is taking any credit away from them. Theyre both still consider top teams in the NFC. Theres not anything bad being said about either teams. So sometimes you just have to take the good and run with it.
One word: Blowout.
Niners add to run-first ball control mentality with deadly speed on the perimeter. Unless the pack can blitz as effectively as Baltimore, not worried.
Best defense in the league is going to maul all 3 levels of pack O and rodgers will get shook. Pack is on decline and they will get blown up for it.
Two touchdown margin.
Blowout.
You completely left out the X-factor, special teams! The Niners are head and shoulders above in this category. Field position is going to be a huge factor and the fact this will be a low scoring game, it will come down to a field goal and last time I checked the Niners have a decent kicker.
lol… figures…. a niners fan think the niners will win… also the pack dont have just jennings… they also have jordy nelson, james jones, donald driver, randell cobb, and jermichael finley.. all of them plus the best qb in the league, aaron rodgers. I think the pack o is better than the niners d