Here’s how you know the Vikings are going to lose to the 49ers on Sunday: Head coach Leslie Frazier said, “We want to get the run established,” on a conference call Wednesday morning.
Leslie, look at me. Listen to what I have to say. That’s not the move you want to make. You can’t establish the run against the 49ers. Understand? It’s a losing strategy.
As long as All-Pro linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are on the field together, the run game is out. Not an option.
What you need to do is get one of those All-Pros off the field. How do you do this? Four-wide-receiver formations.
You want the 49ers’ defense in their Dime package – six defensive backs – because they substitute their No.4 cornerback, Perrish Cox, for Bowman or Willis. That’s a substitution you want the 49ers to make.
The only problem is your offense hasn’t run one play from a four-wide-receiver formation all season. Not one.
So I’m picking the 49ers to beat you 23-9.
It could even be worse than that.
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Seems like a pretty reasonable prediction and I agree that “establishing the run” plays right into the Niners’ hands. I’ll throw out 27-13 as a prediction.
Vegas Has the 49ers between 6.5 and 7 point favorites. Vegas is pretty accurate when it gives such an appealing spread. 49ers might be guilty of looking past this week. They still win, but probably not a blow out.
Grant,
You see the 49ers scoring only 3 points more than Jacksonville and the same as Indy did?
The thing is, Harbaugh has not shown much inclination to run it up. Once he is two scores ahead, he is happy to play conservative and control the ball and get out of town with a “W”. This team probably could hang 30 or 40 on the Vikes, but Harbaugh would rather win 24-6 than 38-24.
True because as you saw during preseason, he respects Leslie Frazier. They were right on the goal line, and rather than practicing another short-yardage situation, he had the QB kneel to end the game.
My prediction: 30-13 Niners
It will be obvious early on that the Vikings can’t move the ball against the Niners defense.
So the Niners offense will get the lead and then go ultra conservative.
Quit copying Grumpy’s answers. :-D
Thank you for the clarification.
I see a big day coming for Gore and Davis. The Vikings have shown you can run on them, and Davis should have Greenway for lunch.
Grant, do you think that L Frazier is going to tell you and the rest of the world what his game plan is going to be? He knows he’s BSing and the 49ers know he’s BSing… and the rest of the sane football world knows he’s BSing. So why even bother writing a blog about something that really has nothing of substance. Your prediction, however, is accurate.
Because he has shown a consistant effort to appease certain blog moms on here. If he didn’t write that nonsense, there would be 300 posts between the three of them and the legitimate readers would leave.
G. Rodgers
What would you have Grant do instead?/
Sounds like Frazier spends too much time listening to his linebacker coach. Coaching Fail. 24-6.
LOL! They’re going to get “F”ysical with us, are they?
That would be a good way to get (Ph)ired.
It is my sincerest hope that the 49ers show Singletary how to play physical with an F’ you.
uh… the part where you say “it could be worse than that.”
My prediction: 34-0
Nice, Grant!
Heard a stat on the radio this morning that Christian Ponder has the highest completion percentage in the NFL right now. Something tells me that will not be the case after Sunday. He’s going to have a tough time with Aldon Smith harrassing him all day and I’d put money on him not completing more than 58% of his passes.
I think its going to be a blow out, (of course, I said that about the Lions, too :-). But, what the heck – I am a total homer and don’t have to try to be objective!!
Well, IMO it would have been a blowout had it not been for 2 bad calls. The PI call on culliver gave them 7 and the lack of call on AS took away an opportunity for 7 from us. Could of been a blow out.
This could be a strategy to fool the niners. Maybe?
Every coach says they’ll establish the run against the 49ers. They have to say it or else the implication will be “we’re not even going to try.”
One Vikings strength vs. a possible 49ers weakness on D is the short passing game. Ponder and Harvin are very good in that area and the 49ers have been gashed in that area.
It seemed the 49ers conceded the short pass to contain Nelson and Johnson. The Vikings don’t have a deep threat of that caliber so Harvin likely won’t enjoy the success Cobb and CJ had. Between Rogers, Willis and Bowman poor Harvin might have a migraine.
It’s a trap!
Grant you are 0 for 2, hope you are right on this one.
Correction, Grant is 1-1. He said we’d lose a close one in Lambau in which case he was wrong. Then he went on to say we would shut the Lions down at home. Also, I agree with his prediction this week. Should be a fun one! Just hope we come out unscathed.
Matchup to look for. Aldon vs khalil. Aldon will eat him alive.
Hope the team isn’t as overconfident as the writers and the fans. It’s still a road game in the NFL. If the Niners bring intensity they should win. Will be a good test for Harbaught because it’s going to be harder for the team to get up for this one after the two big games to start the year.
I agree 100% Well said.
I’m anticipating a whoopin similar to the 40-point shellacking we put on Tampa Bay last year. Our defense will tear Ponder apart, and our offense will do very well as long as they contain Jared Allen.
Lol, shellacking. always makes me laugh
I hope you’re right for the first time this year i’m laying heavy on the 49ers.
Correction, Grant is 1-1. He said we’d lose a close one in Lambau in which case he was wrong. Then he went on to say we would shut the Lions down at home. Also, I agree with his prediction this week. Should be a fun one! Just hope we come out unscathed.
As much as I agree with you Grant, I think the run is the only way to get this defense to open up. I think if Detroit would have stayed a little bit more patient with it, that game would have gone down to the wire.
Now when I say the run I am including swing passes, draws, and a combination of both AP and Toby, run right, run left, run middle, run wide over and over again.
The Niners were caught a couple times and burned with the swing pass. If Im Bill Musgrave, Im testing the 49ers DE to get out and cover those passes. If I see that Willis and Bowman are in coverage on those screens, then Im mixing it up with tosses and draws and short to intermediate passes wide and in the slot to my TE’s or Harvin who could mimick a little of what Cobb did in GB which was effective against this defense.
Keeping this defense in its base is a recipe for disaster. The only way to beat the 49ers defense is to get them substituting, especially on the road.
Once I have established some resemblance of a run game, Im alternating going power then with 4 maybe 5 WR sets and go unorthodox on Fangio.
The 49ers offense is not explosive so playing chess and punting might be something we see this Sunday. I think to beat at a patient team, you have to be equally patient and stubborn. Dont let your crowd dictate your playcalling. Stick to the run even if your down 10 cause no way this (SF) offense is looking to air it out unless it has to. Keep it to a 1-2 possession game and you might have a chance.
Great stuff FDM but do the Vikings have the backs to do the outside runs and swing passes? AD and Gerhart both seem like inside guys. I suppose Harvin in the backfield could do some of that (swings and screens).
I think you have to strech this defense wide. Get Justin Smith and MacDonald going east west, not north to the QB or running back.
Willis and Bowman can both cover and are better against the run but maybe having them think more in terms of coverage or stopping the run might help.
I think MSC is that AP and Toby will have to become pass catchers this game and be versatile in order to get our defense out of it base and in different personnel groupings.
The reason I say this and I know this game was a travesty to begin with, but 2 years ago against the Chiefs in KC, they used their backs in mulitiple formations from draws and power runs, and hitches to screen passes and the Niners players had difficulty with it.
Now granted we have a new DC and team but that might be a good game to look back on if Im Musgrave.
I agree it is good stuff, but the Vikings don’t have any 4 or 5 receiver sets.
Spread your personnel out wide. Maybe line up AP wide or in the slot, same with Toby. My point was the Vikes dont have to change their offense or philosophy, but you gotta spread this defense wide to creaet better one on one matchups or maybe try to run in a spread formation with more lanes in which to run.
FDM,
Spread them out? That’s how you beat the 49ers D? How did that work for GB or Detroit?
The way you beat this defense is by staying patient with the run, and taking what they give you in the passing game, and not make mistakes. They have shown that you can move the ball on them between the 20′s.
This game could be a lot closer than predicted if the 49er offense gets conservative. AP/Gerhardt are the best running tandem they have faced this year, and Percy Harvin is leading the league in YAC. The Vikings utilize Harvin much like GB utilizes Cobb, and he gave the D fits all day.
FDM
AP isn’t a great receiving back last I heard. You put him out that far, he’ll be lost. He likes crowds, not space.
Besides PW/NB are more than adequate to cover him. All you’ve done is take your best wapon, put him in an uncofortable situation and have our 2 All Pro LB’s cover him.
I fail to see the + here for the Vikings.
Jack reading comprehension? FDM said stick with the run but pass and run out of wide sets. The swing pass from either the inside slot or sideline WR might work against our defense. Both DET & GB had some success with that look.
Bottom line the only way we lose this game is if the boys are over confident. Maybe too much Muhammad Ali this week and the Wedding Crasher geeks, who knows?
SF 26
MIN 14
DS to beat our defense you have to do multiple things. I would throw some flee flickers, misdirection plays at Fangio and a heavy dose of AP and Toby on the ground. Will it work, probably not but how would you try and beat our D?
Again, how did those wide sets work for GB and Detroit?
The teams that give this D issues are those that utilize basic formations, take the underneath pass, run the ball well, and convert 3rd downs. Teams like New York, Seattle, and Baltimore.
Jack stop acting like a child. Everyone is saying the same thing! You can’t run or pass on our defense but if you had to try something, try everything Colonel.
Don’t take it so literal trying to start that garbage all the time!
Prime
How do you beat our D?
You can’t.
How would I try? By doing whatever I do best. This D is sound. You need to have all of your players run plays they are really comfortable with. Running a lot of plays you don’t run normally adds a level of uncertainty (increase odds of a TO) to the play on whether it works or not. Over-coming that plus our sound D is harder to do than to run what you know best against our D. The latter is 1 variable. The former is 2. I’ll take the 1 (do what I do best).
DS then that is a bad matchup for the Vikes. If they think they can run and then that’s it, 3-0.
All Im saying is if that’s your game plan against what I do best, good luck! At least disguise it. Sounds alot like Singletary?
Prime
Mis-direction plays work if the D loses containment/over pursue. Watch the Raiders. You’ll see it every time. We are a lot better.
Look, the Vikings don’t stand much of a chance. If they turn the ball over, they are toast. And Ponder isn’t exactly good at protecting the ball. At least when I see him he isn’t.
Best bet is to be safe, and pray. You pass a lot, you will get blown out at home. If you run and are safe, maybe the ball bounces your way.
If you want to figure out how to beat this D look at those teams who A) did beat them or B) did something no other team had. Baltimore, New York and Seattle are 3 examples that all have 1 thing in common, they almost always have a TE and RB in the game at the same time.
Baltimore and Seattle both stuck with the run, and sped up the game. Baltimore won, and Seattle came close, scoring the first rushing TD against this D in the process.
New York took what the 49ers gave them and did a god job of converting on 3rd down, especially in the first half.
By speeding up the game, even if they keep you out of the end zone and you have to settle for FG’s you should still be within striking distance should they make that one costly mistake, ie interception in the end zone, TD called back, fumble on a return.
Guys it’s a top 3 defense that I think a lot of teams that face it are in for a rude awakening. We tackle like rabid dogs and hit people literally in the mouth. I guess that’s one thing Sing instilled, violent aggression on defense.
I’m not so sure testing Willis & Bowman is a good idea but regardless of what they attempt to do the Niners D is fast and tackles extremely well. They are just plain tough to score on with consistency. They only seem vulnerable once they have a lead and then sit back keeping everything in front and forcing the opponent to burn clock even if they do score. On paper this shouldn’t be close. The V’s D is not too strong so so we should be able to score with regularity and grind out another win like 27 – 13.
Sorry, Grant. Only someone as young as you would predict a blowout – publicly. Lets hope our players strap it up this week, again. As JH would say, work, prepare and go in with humble hearts. That is the edge experience provides. Take a lesson, Grant!
I’m 40, and I predict a blowout, and will be very surprised if the Vikings are even competitive, let alone defeat the 49ers.
hey 40 is young
RJB
Agree that a blowout is unlikely unles the D or the special teams get a couple of TDs to streach the lead. With our O philosophy it seems that as soon as we get 8-11 pts up we go super conservative (runs on 1st and 2nd down) and we just play to wind the clock and get on the bus without any injuries. JH doesnt strike me as a belichik type to rub the other guys face in it and I dont see him keeping the gas pedal down. Especially against L.Frazier who I believe was a teammate of his. However if we do get up 20 or so id love to see Kaep get some burn to keep fostering his development. I just dont see it hapening, Hope im wrong
I’m with you BOS. I’d like the Niners to get some quality second stringer time in for Kaep in particular, but also others, particularly on defense (OLB, DE, Safties) to give our guys some rest and limit the possibility of injuries.
But…given the style, I’m not sure it will happen either.
EB,
If smith continues with the mindset that it’s okay to take sacks instead of throwing it away, you may see Kap sooner than you think. Best part about Jared Allen is that he plays for the sack, not the big hit. He won’t harm Smith if he gets to him. But one of those D tackles falling on him??? That’s another story.
You actually make a good point. Kaep may get some time simply because it works schematically. I can see this being the game the Niners break out the run option. Let’s see if they activate LMJ!
EB,
Last time we played Minnesota in 2009. 1st play of the game. Sack by Jared Allen and a fumble by Alex Smith. He beat Joe Staley like a drum. He’s gonna beat Staley again this week. Allen has no sacks this year.
EB, nothing that this troll hater says is good. He is a 49er hater!
Harbaugh clearly would rather Smith NOT try to throw it away unless he can do it without risking a turnover. If he can slip outside the pocket and has room, great. But in the pocket, with guys closing in, it’s too easy for someone to get a hand on him or the ball. Harbaugh’s philosophy is, our defense won’t let you get too far ahead, and our offense will put enough points on the board to win in the end. He’ll play it safe and punt if it’s not there, trusting to get the ball back and get points later. It’s not a style that fans enjoy as much as Air Coryell, for instance, but then how many Super Bowls did Coryell win? Bottom line, Harbaugh’s style wins games. And Alex HAS shown the ability to open it up and run the two minute offense to win from behind last year when he needed to. As long as we keep winning, JH is NOT going to change horses.
Jordan,
When they played in 2009 the 49er QB was Shaun Hill.
Allen is still a good pass rusher, but he is a liability against the run. They are going to beat him up.
Well said Grumpy Guy. To me it’s still an exiting brand of football because it’s awesome watchin the speed of our defense and how relentless they are in pursuit.
As for the offense, appreciate the methodical nature in attack. It’s like Alex is a surgeon out there picking apart the defense by either run or pass. Give credit to the play calling of Roman and Smith’s ability to audible out of particular plays. It’s a balanced offense and most times the defense has no idea where it’s comin from.
Besides Gore, we really don’t have a go to guy. We have so many weapons and that’s fun on watch,
Variation on the Wham play, Hammer?
Welcher, wrong again! Wow, your just bad all around!
Grumpy,
More like Power, which is a little similar. Their interior DL does not get the type of penetration you saw from Detriot so it will be a cleaner track for the pulling guards.
MJD had some good runs to Allen’s side week 1.
@Jack/Grumpy
Yeah, seal the big toads in the middle and wham or power trap the ends, who do like to penetrate. I’d run or fake a reverse early to keep the ends from crashing down the line; boot action helps here too.
You’re right Jordan, that Viking-49er game in 2009 was crazy. I mean, who would have guessed that Allen would beat Staley, then run right by a startled Shawn Hill, sprint clear to the 49ers sidelines, and sack Alex Smith as he stood there watching the game. CRAZY! No wonder he fumbled the clipboard. I mean, who is ever ready for a hit like that?
Lets not have any facts get in the way of our narrative, right?
Yeah that was Shaun Hill. I checked the NFL Gamebook to check. We also recovered the fumble. It was Allen’s only sack of the game, btw.
From the .pdf>
San Francisco 49ers at 15:00, (1st play from scrimmage 14:56)
1-10-SF 23 (14:56) S.Hill sacked at SF 16 for -7 yards (J.Allen). FUMBLES (J.Allen), recovered by SF-J.Staley at SF 16.
J.Staley to SF 16 for no gain (J.Allen).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjF93E4LjlA
Still, despite Jordan’s grim perspective, it’s something each of you have stated ways to take advantage of and maybe, just maybe it could involve Kaep and LMJ, if not Alex and Hunter on option reads.
EB since watching JH coach in SF, do you see any resemblance of this offense using the option as a means to run the ball? We have 3 possible starting RB’s on the roster who are more than capable. We have an oline that is comin into its own. We are dominating the line of scrimmage and now we need Kap or our QB’s to run the ball more? That makes no sense right now.
Lets just keep doing what we are doing in the run game until someone stops us.
For your personal reference, agreeing with anything 23welcher says is a very bad idea. You know that analogy, blind leading the blind? That’s him.
Prime,
That makes sense, by the same token, the OC has said, they want to get people in to the ball game in situations that the excel in, when it’s appropriate.
I’m just thinking it’s an opportunity to Kaep reps and give others more to worry about. However, I do like what you’re saying…if ain’t broke….
it’s a smokescreen, they’ll pass more than they’ll run…. but i see a lot playactions and screen pass against our Defense.
Remember when Grant Cohn was hating on Anthony Davis? How was that prediction, Grant?!
Lot’s of folks hate on Davis, he is young and a work in progress. If there’s a weak link on the line, its Davis. Critiquing players is fair game unless you like to live in Homerville.
I don’t think that was “hating on Davis”. I think it was pointing out that Davis clapped his hands with glee or something and Davis took offense.
Seeing as Davis, a 1st round pick, is being out played by undrafted Alex Boone- in his first year as a roster regular and playing at a new position- there is definitely room for some hating.
IDK… it seems to me that AD is getting better with every game. He had some rough stretches but I think he is going to be okay. And Boone already seems to be an improvement over Rachal and Snyder. If Staley can keep the premiere rushers in check on his side, I think our O-Line will become a strength by the end of the season.
“put the Niners in their dime package” If Green Bay and Detroit couldn’t do squat with the Niners in the dime ,I sure as hell don’t think the Vikes will
Agreed!
Ha ha haaaaa. I love the title grant. Spoken like a true fan.
My problem with this “easy victory” is the Seahawks ran on us last season. The packers and lions don’t have AP.. Not saying they will, but it’s not impossible either. My two biggest concerns.. Make that 3.
1 joe staley
2 the crowd
3 the arrogance
I see you mentioned they will get conservative. That bothers me. I saw it against the packers and the lions once they had a good lead. I don’t know if anyone else noticed harbaughs body language and faces he had during the lions game when it seemed the offense got conservative. Am I reading to much into it? Look at the fourth quarter again and the pan shots on harbaugh. I hope he was upset about the play calling late in that game.
Willis didn’t play in that Seahawks game.
True that. Totally forgot. My bad. I apologize. I stand down….. ;-0
I don’t think it’s an invalid point just because Willis was out one game. AP has shown he can break a big one and Gerhardt has shown the Niners can miss a tackle or two every once in a while and it only takes falling asleep once or twice and in the NFL anything can happen.
While I am less concerned about the Defense missing tackles, a play can happen. The offense worries me slightly because of what everyone is saying. If you play it too conservatively, these one off big plays or bad calls by the refs can make a game swing the other direction quickly.
This would be the perfect game to “try out” our new toys and go down field to someone other than VD. Unless I blinked, there have been ZERO passes down field to anyone other than VD, right? Can we throw just one or two this weekend? (if they’re open of course)
How is this Vikings team better than the last Vikings team we played who won on a prayer?
How much better of a Niner team do we have now compared to then?
Who cares? The 2009 teams had a lot of different players and different coaching staffs. There is ZERO relevancy between that game and the one this week.
Let the bashings begin here, but I actually had the 49ers going 11-5 this season with their first loss at Minnesotta. My thoughts were of the first 5 games, this one is the easiest to lose. 17-9.
Toby and Peterson are very physical backs. Ponder is excellent at the short passing game and I am sticking by my guns that SF secondary is weak. The LBs and DEs do a great job masking that weakness.
Here’s what Peterson thinks: http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/Peterson-on-49ers-Defense-Those-Guys-Are-Good/6b015f59-3013-4893-b715-aba77f90b312
It’s okay Chris. The blog moms aren’t in here right now. I’m sure you know who they are. I think SF beats Minn easily here, but there might be some key injuries with how physical this game is going to be.
@ Chris:
If the 49ers’ DBs weren’t liabilities against prolific passing teams like the Packers and the Lions, how is it that the Vikings are going to take advantage of them?
Yeah two pro-bowlers, two up & coming CB’s and a seasoned hard hitting Safety lining em up & shutting down two 5000 yard QB’s in the 1st two games… they are really weak…sorry Chrissy you are not paying attention.
Chris,
The analyst Matt Bowen, an ex-NFL DB himself, thinks differently from you about the Niners’ DBs:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Do-the-49ers-have-the-top-safety-combo-in-the-NFL.html
Chris
The Niners face 2 very physical RB’s 2 times a year in St.Louis/Seattle for a total of 4 games. They know how to stop them better than any other team.
Jason
Grow up. You need a mom with you 24×7 to help tie your shoes. Instigate much?
It’s like you knew you were one of the three I was referencing. That’s just sad. Don’t worry, I have your mom to tie my shoes, do my laundry and clean my house.
Watch what you say though or I might call La Migra and have her deported :))
Chris,
While I disagree with your assertion that the secondary is weak, I do agree with your take on this game being difficult due to the players you mention.
That being said, I don’t think the Viking D will be able to slow down the running game, and this is the first top level QB that their D has faced. 49ers win, 27-16.
Greenbay and Detroit high powered? Not in 2012. St Louis nearly beat Detroit. I believe Minnesotta is going to exploit the fact that our Dbs stuggled with underneath passes and screens against Detroit.
Sf can shut down the deep pass, because they have a safety 15 yards back. That isn’t going to work in the underneath game. They will pick him on crossing routes.
I hope I’m wrong about SF. I merely picked this game as the first of 5 loses SF has. I believe the other 4 are split games against Az and Sea. then, Baltimore and New England.
Christian Ponder is good at extending the play. We’ll see soon enough. I am hoping for an SF blow out, but any given Sunday…
Chris
You have to give a team 4 games before you can really start judging last year from this year. Just my observation, but the announcers talk about last year a lot for the first month. By the 8 game mark, they don’t really talk about last year much at all except to compare the changes.
And Detroit/Green Bay haven’t been shut out or kept to single digits. Isn’t GB averaging over 20 points?
Chris,
That would be crazy if Baltimore beats the 49ers again this year since they aren’t even on the schedule.
Oh wait, are you predicting the outcome of the Super Bowl?
We don’t play Baltimore this year, do you have jordanheimer?
@ Chris:
1. Despite the fact that St. Louis nearly beat Detroit, Detroit currently ranks 5th in passing yardage. Green Bay is, well, Green Bay. Those are two prolific passing offenses.
2. I am not sure why you are so negative on the 49ers’ secondary, but your analysis of the Detroit game is flawed. The 49ers’ DBs didn’t “struggle” with underneath passing against Detroit. To the extent that Detroit had any success with the short passing game, it was because of the 49ers’ scheme, not because of poor play by the secondary. The 49ers’ gameplan was to take away the deep pass, largely by keeping the safeties deep. The plan worked; Detroit didn’t have any big plays down field. Minnesota doesn’t have a big play, down field passing offense like Detroit, so the 49ers are likely to have a different gameplan. I wouldn’t expect to see both safeties playing deep all game long.
3. Unless the 49ers come out flat and stay that way, I see little chance for Minnesota to win this game. It’s offense is centered around Adrian Peterson’s running, which plays right into the 49ers’ strength. I can see no reason for your fear of Minnesota. Despite the fact that it is an away game, this appears to be one of the easier games on the 49ers’ schedule.
4. When was Baltimore added to the 49ers’ schedule?
@ Jack. Thanks for pointing that out. I was on Houston’s schedule and got them mixed up with SF. I have SF losing to NY Giants and Houston losing to Baltimore.
@ DS there are about 16 teams in the league averaging 20 points a game. I believe the 0-2 Saints are averaging 29.5 points a game. The 0-2 Chiefs are averaging 20.5 points a game. The bills are averaging 31.5 points a game. The Jets are averaging 29 points a game. Any of those teams appear to be high powered?
The 1-2 Panthers are actually second in the league in total offense behind the NY Giants. Saints are fourth and Chiefs are 6th. Greenbay is 23rd and Detroit is 14th. That doesn’t sound very prolific.
Well, I guess we know that Chris and Jason are the same guy.
Claude,
I think the team could have a let down after two big wins. I think you misread what I wrote about the secondary or maybe I miswrote what I was trying to say (more likely).
I think the SF LBs have done a good job hiding Sf’s weaknesses at Secondary. Greenbay doesn’t look as sharp as they did in 2011. I’m not sure where they are at this year in offense, but I don’t think it’s top ten.
Vic Fangio touched on how the screen pass was blown by SF. I think Matthew Stafford had a very bad game against SF. The short slants were there all day because the pick plays were working. Stafford just didn’t hit them.
Jack, I had thought SF played BAL. I guess that means I need to adjust my overall record to 12-4 instead of 11-5. I think division games are incredibly tough to sweep, so I give AZ and SEA credit for home wins. STL is still a year or two off before they can split division games.
DS, I agree 4 games should be the mark before you start comparing 2012. I just don’t think the teams SF is playing are as top notch as they were in 2011. We’ll see though. The schedule makers actually did a good job of making the division games mean something this year.
@Jason
The point I was trying to make (not very well I guess) is that you can’t take the stats after 2 games. Because the sample size isn’t really large enough. Better to go off how they play anyway. Reporters/announcers/fans have to usually say something about a team, so they use last years data early on to do so. Those other teams you mention though don’t have the players who historically do score a lot of points. That is what they (announcers) are going off of. GB and Detroit do.
Your final paragraph is precisely why I don’t use stats, especially yards (I’m assuming you are using the yards rank) to determine how good a unit is.
This Niners team likely won’t be a top 10 offense. They run the ball. The clock moves. If you pass a lot, the clock stops, and you gain yardage quicker in the same amount of time. You get the chance to get more plays for more yards. It is best to not use yards to determine our offensive power.
@claude
“Well, I guess we know that Chris and Jason are the same guy.”
???
How/why?
It’s true.
Chris,
Nothing wrong with giving an opinion that doesn’t mesh with the consensus, but I think your view of the secondary has already been debunked. GB and Det. are two of the best passing offenses in the league and the secondary did a fantastic job against both. Detroit may have had a close game with the Rams, but Stafford passed for nearly 400 yards against them. The Niners completely shut him down and they did it without a consistent pass rush which put a lot of stress on the secondary.
I don’t think this game will be a blowout but the Niners are better in every area and unless they have a complete meltdown I can’t see the Vikings winning this game. Minny’s offense revolves around AP and if he can’t get it going it’s going to be a long day for the Vikes.
24-10 Niners
@ DS:
At 12:29 am, “Chris” writes that Baltimore will be one of SF’s losses in 2012.
Several commenters respond, telling “Chris” that Baltimore is not on the 49ers’ 2012 schedule. One of those commenters is Jack at 8:49 am.
“Jason” responds to Jack at 9:16 am by writing
@ Jack. Thanks for pointing that out. I was on Houston’s schedule and got them mixed up with SF. I have SF losing to NY Giants and Houston losing to Baltimore.
The fact that Chris and Jason are the same guy makes their “conversations” weird, if not sad.
@ DS:
And because Grant says so.
Thanks Grant.
That’s hilarious!
That is interesting.
Maybe one of them are his mom.
:- )
Same email address at least right Grant?
Chris/Jason
You have some interesting things to explain man. You are talking to yourself A LOT.
Chris/Jason,
Pick one name and stick with it. It gets very confusing otherwise…especially when you are responding to yourself.
rocket
No. This can be a lot more fun. Stick to the double names, and fight with yourself.
For obvious reasons, I am changing my screen name.
So, no discussion at all about what was going on? No denial/confession?
Ok…….I’ll keep this in mind moving forward.
Welcome to the blog sherlock
Actually, you are wrong. I am not Chris. Chris is my cousin/coworker here at the intel plant in phoenix. But thanks for the implication. Chris is a good guy and I wouldn’t mind being accused of being him.
DS,
What is there to discuss? The guy was outted and there really is no explanation other than possibly having such low self esteem that you feel you need someone to agree with you even if it’s yourself.
Jason/Chris,
If that’s the case just say so beforehand. If you two know each other there is obviously some connection and it isn’t two unbiased commentators from different parts of the country.
So Intel doesn’t have seperate email accounts for each worker? Find that hard to believe.
What does seperate emails have to do with anything? Emails change the avatar. IP addresses is what I was refering to.
Or maybe Grant was going by MAC or IP addresses? Two people using the same computer – not too unlikely.
I am calling BS on JaChrison. Sherlock’s earlier post prooves it. Nice try though : )
**the use of BS in this comment should in no way be taken as a slight on DS**
ribico
Grant uses both email accounts and IP. You can enter different names, and the same email and get different avatars. You can use the same computer and have different emails and that would distinguish the two. So Grant could tell. Only way Jason/Chris are telling the truth is if they have the same email account. And I bet they don’t.
Jack
Thanks. I can distinguish between the two.
@ Jack:
Exactly.
Avatars are based on email addresses not names. Here is the point. Same Avatar because of the email address.
Changed name. Same email address.
This is DS guys
Regular name. Different email.
Why can’t Grant see your different emails addresses? Unless you think Grant made a mistake or is lying.
Face it. You’ve been discovered.
DS – Nice work, Columbo has nothing on you. :-)
That little whipper-snapper? He’s a little young for me C15
See Chris, The blog mom identifies herself without a name even being mentioned. She must carry Grant’s laundry and books to not have been booted from this blog.
I don’t think SF loses in Minnesota. Vikings have a good passing game and a good running game, but I just don’t think it translates early against SF. Maybe if AP was 100%.
Jason,
No need to name call. I think there are about the same number of people who just fail to contribute anything but comment on everything. I just sum it up to flies around a trash can. They are annoying but there isn’t anything you can do about them.
Jason
You are quite confused. This is a football blog. Not a mom blog.
But since I’m such a swell fellow, I found this for you. A site to link you to all the top mommy blogs on the net.
http://www.topmommyblogs.com/pages/index.php
Stick to football here. Talk about mommy elsewhere dear.
Now, here is your lollipop. Go run off with your friends. I’ll pick you up from pre-school at 3:00
Jason/Chris – No double posting or you’ll be removed from your cubicle at Intel.
http://bitoffun.com/cartoons/car-cubicle.jpg
Let’s put this to rest. My email address is jasonarcher at hotmail dot com Chris’s email is chrisarcher at hotmail dot com.
You have to use those email addresses to get the avatar associated with the name.
So I suppose Grant was only going off an IP addresses.
Grant is the only one who can help you now.
And REAALLY STUPID move on your part to tell us your email. Intel may want to get a replacement for you. You leave such personal stuff off a blog my friend.
DS,
Why, as long as you don’t plan on stalking the man. Why call him stupid for posting it. That was unnecessary. I’m sure he can get his issues straightened out on his on without you scrutinizing him. I think that was unnecessary. He made a mistake, big deal.
What a smart Intel worker does is email Grant directly. Ask for him to correct himself. In the meantime you just have to take the shots from others. Not able to take the punches you dish out, are you?
Went for the easy bet, eh, Grant? Hope it goes better than your Green Bay prediction, LOL.
i was thinging the same thing about the lions last week. they kept trying to establish the run game. when they obviouly couldnt. we didnt even have to stack the box.
My prediction 85-0 niners !
Pump the brakes Junio…F.P. Soft. Like you attitude though!
i think this game will be more a test of the coaching staff’s ability to keep consistent motivation as opposed to the relative talent level of the teams, road vs home, etc. I’m putting my money on Harbaugh/Fangio/Roman, with Niners 27, Vikings 13.
If you said Grant that its obvious VD is on HGH..and that chemical enhancement most likey resulted in resurrecting Alex Smiths career,ending his chronic bum shoulder,I bet unlike “Squealgate”,the 49ers don’t say a peep. No outcry. I bet.
Hey Grant, if nobody can believe much of what JH says then why would anyone believe what that coach says. Maybe he’s gonna say that then come out firing! Irregardless, I think the 9ers will dictate what they do!
There would have to be a complete breakdown on the vikings defense and no mistakes for the Niners to run up the score.
If the Niners jump to an early lead by 14 or 17 points the Niners will get conservative with their offense. Putting their defense out there to secure the win.
Personally I would like to see the Niners run up the score to a 3 or 4 score lead by the 4th qtr and put in CK as well as other backups to get them real game experience.
I would like Harbaugh to be like Walsh in that manner as Bill was a master at getting backups experience and when needed in games because of injury or another reason those backups played like seasoned vets.
Agreed. In fact, I’d like to see second string defensive players get some action!
After this far in the season. The packers and patriots were the only teams that scared me. Now atl, car, and arz are the teams that scare me.
Atlanta being the first. They are a spitting image offensively as the niners. Their defense is pretty stout. That is a team I’d love to see in the playoffs. It’s about time we exercise those demons also.
Arz like I said last season is and has a very scary defense. Full offseason and they have a damn good d coordinator. And they are division rivals.
Car…. Has a fast and big armed qb. He alone can neutralize our pass rush and lb’s with his feet alone.
We look great and well balanced, but I’m a superstitious kinda guy and refuse to brag or build my team up with talk. Before game day I refuse to say “Go Niners” to anybody. It’s worked pretty well for the last year. And it doesn’t count if I type it. :-)
Don’t count out the Seahawks. To me, they look tougher than Arizona.
MD
Im with you on ATL and CAR but think ARI is still a consistent QB away from really causing damage. Not to say that those games wont be tough, as they always are vs division foes no matter who is doind good or not. Nick also has a point with SEA although the same holds tru for R.Wilson (not proven enough but makes me a bit nervous with his mobility and pocket presence) If ATL sticks to their roots (pound the ball then play action pass) they could pose a real threat. I think last year after they drafted Julio Jones they had a bit of an identity crisis and threw too much which threw off the very dynamic that made them sucessful in previous years. Im still not sold on ATL’s D though but time will tell. CAR has the tools to be an Ofensive juggernaut (spelling?) but like ATL the jury is still out on their D.
On a side note R u ready for a Celtics Lakers final? (provided ur center doesn’t demand a trade :)
Lol I am ready for a lakers final. Don’t know how the celtics will get there though. But it would be great to beat them again. :-) and I didn’t like the Howard move. 10 cents says he craps on the lakers and moves to jersey next season. Although I don’t think they knew for sure if Bynum was going to return anyways. He was acting like a spoiled brat last season. The fame must have gotten to him. I thought with just Nash the lakers could have won it all. It’s going to take them awhile to gel but when they do….. Look out Miami.
I like the No “sniit” talking and over rooting before games. It always feels premature until it’s proven on the field. Walk confidently, but not as it’s been accomplished already.
As to teams that scare me…what about last year’s champs and the top of their division the Eagles? Yeah, I know Vick is inconsistent and we could break him if we get a good clean hit on him, but also both those teams have awesome pressure on the QB as well as explosive offenses that can score at any moment. I think you can’t sleep on either of them.
Eb… The eagles don’t scare me for one reason. They continue to disappoint. They are loaded, but until we see them in the playoffs and they are a top 3 team. I can’t fear them. It’s just a Philly thing I guess. Lol Carolina only scares me because they have a qb that can take over a game. But watching the giants contain him last night. I know damn well the 49ers could do the same. Scratch dem panthers off and out the giants back on.
Sure, scratch them (Carolina), but move the Giants up that list. Also, the Eagles disappoint, but they continue to put up numbers and on any given Sunday could do something exciting and pose a threat.
That said, we’ll see the Giants soon enough and if we both keep on pace, we’ll probably see each other twice this year again!
After seeing Carolina tonight, not so scary. That defense… more scary for Carolina than their opponents.
I’d say you might want to think about removing Carolina from your ‘teams to fear’ list……They look brutal.
md still has highlight-itis. That’s where Cam lives, definitely not in the win column.
@ribico, How would Baas look on our oline right about now?
Too much $?
Prime
Yes. Too much money. The Giants I think gave him top Center money. I’ve seen EM get rushed up the middle more than that salary says it should. NY spent top dollar for a good Center. Not a great Center.
Better than Goodwin or just a cheaper alternative?
Prime
Adequate enough to get us into the title game last year, at a salary which helped us retain Ahmed Brooks and Carlos Rodgers.
That is well worth it.
I don’t watch highlights. I just fear the mobile qb in one game. Yes they looked awful. But it is one game. Like I said. Those pesky giants are a very good road team. That Carolina loss knocks them off of my “feared” team for now. :-) although I hate coughlan he is a very very good coach. He had Carolina guessing all night. His burners were gone. So he went 49er style football on them. It’s going to be a good game when they come here this season.
>>He had Carolina guessing all night.
It was more than just that. Carolina’s secondary allowed Near York’s fill-in receivers yards of open space play after play. We’ll will destroy that defense just as the Giants did.
Prime, Goodwin is just as capable IMO.
Rib…. I noticed that. Took me back to the Nolan defense. Play off 5 yards and not be physical with the recievers. My favorite thing I saw against GB was we were up on that line with them. We haven’t had a defense that’s done that in years. I thought Carolina was better than that. Not world beaters, but at least a threat. They flat out suck!
md, especially when they gave as much cushion to the QB in their pash rush!
Wait, do we even play them this season? Why do we even Carolina about them? They keep playing like that, they sure ain’t going to make the playoffs.
That’s what I was just wondering Rib. The only time the 49ers would need to worry about Carolina this year would be in the playoffs, and it doesn’t look like that will happen for them this year.
rib
“Why do we even Carolina about them?”
Because some here want to try to compare Cam’s rookie and 2nd year to AS’s. And the AS comment towards Cam and Beasons immature reply.
I don’t know why the blog would discuss a player on another team who we’ve never played and likely won’t play unless they make the playoffs and they get to face us then.
Then, Cam will be talking all the way back to Carolina following the embarrassed play of him and his team.
Imma man I’m 40!!! Lmao
I think that one of harbaughs major goals when he came to the 9ers was a return to the years where we were the road warriors. i think he will emphasize that champions win on the road starting this week then really carry that train of thought over to next week in youngstown
Early road games (10am slot PST) are tough ones. This one will be a lot closer than it looks on paper. Some of the keys are:
1. Win the turnover battle
2. Special Teams: Vikings are decent in punt and kick return. This concerns me. So far, the Niners coverage team has shown vulnerability in stopping the opposition. They need to play better than the previous two weeks.
3. Pass protection: The Vikings are 1 back of the Niners with a total of 6 sacks in two games. The Niners need to control J. Allen.
4. Be physical and establish the run :) : The Vikings are 3rd in the NCF in combined tackles. They swarm to the ball on D. They’re only giving up 3.1 yards/attempt. That’s nearly identicle to the Niners D. Running on the Vikings will be tough, but can be done with JH and Roman’s creativity.
My prediction: 27-9, not very different from most of you.
When Sing looks across the field, he will see the Niners playing in the way he envisioned but was unable to implement during his coaching.
Would he be offended if he learned that they tore down his precious “Mt. Pain” at team HQ?
Interesting tidbit of revelation by P.Willis in a recent interview with yahoo sports.
Yeah, i saw that. He grew up hating the Niners. Intersting
I feel like this game might be tighter than expected. Ponder hasn’t done bad so far, there’s a strong 1-2 punch in the run game, and their rookie safety hasn’t disappointed yet. I just feel this game might be closer than expected. 24-20 Niners. All of this said, I haven’t even been close in my predictions, so what do I know?
Oh gaaaawd! First handshake gate now kneel gate. My making fun of my wife’s soaps and her saying my sports is like a guy soap opera is coming back around with this crap. I personally have no problem with what Schiano did. Play till the end. You never know. Coughlan is a whiny bi****!
Nothing tops the soap opera that was the TO and Eagles surface though. All things considered MD, kneel isn’t that bad…yet anyways.
Kneel gate.
If Steve sabol hadn’t of passed it would have been worse. Moment of silence time for
Mr sabol………………………
Atta boy Alex! Stay thirsty my friend.
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/4809534/20120615_kkt_st3_157_extra_large.jpg
Crab,
Nice choice of words – ‘stay thirsty my friend’ – right out of the Dos Equis beer commercial. Some posters on this board act like Alex is the most interesting man in the world :)
Row – Lol!
Alex with a brewski in hand made my day.
I hope it wasn’t a Clausthaler. :-)
Grant how did you came out with 23 points? is it three TDS and a safety???
2 TD’s, 3 FG’s. Pretty common score.
Spaceborn, seems like Willie’s no mathmagician. Or maybe he just forgot about FG’s.
My concern about the Vikings; is if the game stays close they can win it in the 4thQ; see Cards v. Pats.
This is a game you want to have firmly in control by the end of the half and then early in the 3rd you put it away. If not you take the risk of a couple of big plays changing the whole game.
I would also note we are not getting alot of turnovers yet which is helping to keep the games close.
Prediction: 27-16 Niners
AHHH!!! It’s the games we’re “suppose” to win are the ones scares me the most. But I like your formula. Take firm control early, nail the coffin shut in the 3rd. I see us winning this one, but scares me a little. Don’t know why.
So much for taking the home team on a short week. Yeesh.
Then again – the crowd sounds like the Giants have more of a homefield advantage than the Panthers.
I was thinking the same thing about the crowd.
I took the home team also, awesome. On the brighter side I was able to start Brown in 3 of my leagues tonight.
Coffee,
In three of your leagues? How many are you in, anyway?
I’m in 5 leagues this season along with a couple pick’ems. When I do more then 5 It becomes to much to keep track of with player additions and bye week replacements.
3 yahoo 1 nfl.com and 1 espn.com. I like that mix. Yahoo puts on the best FFL imo but the other two have been getting better each year.
Interesting score on the NYG/Carolina game. I love running QBs that play from the pocket. :)
What happened to “big mouth man of steel” Cam Newton?
Nice game Cam!…..”WHAT?”
C15
I thought Beason was the jerk. Not Cam. What did Cam say?
D94 – Just in general, Cam is an arrogant jerk to me. His “Cam’s night out commercial” made me ill. When he screams at the end and acts like he’s the man of steel ripping shirt open. Then looks at the camera and yells “what?”….This one D94:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvYevSiu9Ng
C15
Yeah, that is annoying. I hardly watch commercials anymore with my DVR. And that is a good reason why I shouldn’t.
What has he freaking done to deserve his own commcercial? There should be a rule. You need to have the team you play for be above 0.500 (season) before you get to act stupid in a commercial to endorse something.
I think the only way the Vikings win is if they play good D and hold the Niners offense to 17 points or less. The Niners are not an offensive juggernaught by any means.
The Vikings can win if they win the turnover battle. Which could happen. I could see the Niners secondary giving up one big play on a long freak pass by Ponder or a pass interference penalty at the goaline.
The Niners special team unit scares me to death. So far this season – our one glaring weakness. Vikings keep the game close – kick a couple field goals and win with a couple lucky, fluke type of plays.
49ers 34 – Vikings 13
Just for fun and all you gamblers, what do you think the OVER/UNDER for AP’s rushing yards will be. This will be a great test for our defense as far as running backs we will face this season. Kevin Smith put up 53, but he ain’t no AP. That said, OVER/UNDER 70 rushing yards seems fair. I am taking the OVER. AP won’t get over 100, but I think he’ll have 70+.
Under.
There is no Calvin Johnson this Sunday to keep a safety deep at all times.
Niners D has heard all week about the screen pass D breakdown at the end of the game. They will be mad.
elGuapo you are right I forgot about the field goals….I just want TDs instead of FGs LOL…I got a little exited about sunday
49ers 27 Vikes 17…….
Grant,
Firstly, nice job thus far this season. Great perspectives on the week to week issues the Niners face.
Next, a couple of points:
1. Ronnie Lott giving ups to Dashon Goldson is the catalyst for a pattern I hope emerges. Let his comments be the beginning of a long-term apprenticeship. Let’s get more former stars embracing current stars.
2. I never thought is say this, but Cam Newton could take a couple pointers from Alex Smith. Just flow, Cam. Let that plutonium-grade talent emerge naturally.
3. The only team in the league that should run more is the Niners. There ground game is literally unstoppable. True, it’s not flashy, but damn is it effective. I love watching the guards pulling and smashing opponents a la Sapolu. Keep it coming.
4. For those of us who have spent our lives waiting for Sundays because Saturday’s college matchups seem sub-par, pay attention to Stanford this year. Watching the Cardinal dominate SC prepared me nicely for Sunday’s Niner performance. They say the NCAA is like the minor leagues, which I’ve never understood, but watching Stanford run essentially the same plays, using such similar schemes, as the Niners, is fascinating. David Shaw is proving that the Harbaugh Coaching Tree has put down deep roots, and will provide football fans with the next generation of offensive wizardry.
5. The thing that gets me the most is that I never thought I’d be so enraptured by an offense that completely shuns the best parts of Kurt Warner’s Rams teams. The Niners of today play a lot like Walsh’s early teams, using the short passing game to soften defenses so Frank can gash for 10+ yard runs early in games. As games progress, Frank’s average decreases, but defenses are, by this point, crippled by the knowledge that Randy or Vernon can go deep. This offense hasn’t shown anything. I can’t wait to see Brandon Jacobs in the backfield, looking to destroy weaker linebackers and defensive backs. I can’t wait to see Manningham get more involved in the short to intermediate passing game, cant wait to see Kendall Hunter and LMJ taking screen passes for 60 yard touchdowns, can’t wait to see Randy running the sideline, single covered, coming under a deep arcing bomb that no cornerback in the league has a chance to defend. Add Colin Kaepernick to this recipe for success and there has never been anything like it in the history of football, at any level.
6. Grant has turned a corner, matured. Gone are his personal slights against the young Anthony Davis. Perhaps Grant has realized that the young guns are sure to mature themselves, that Harbaugh and his boys will hone them, develop them into real winners, guys that don’t balk, don’t flinch. Davis is hardly a match for Grant, mentally, and Grant seems to have realized that his place in this community is safe.
Keep contributing, Grant. Your voice, perspective, and wit make me proud to be a fellow Alum of UCLA’s unparalleled English department!
Interesting take here….
The Grant Rodgers above (12:39 post) complained about Grant’s writing style, and you think it’s matured. Both of you read the same article.
49ers 17, Vikings 6.
Oh wait, that was the pre-season result. Even so, I don’t see much reason for score much different than that. 49ers will ball control it. Vikings will be lucky to make it into Niners territory.
ribico
We will do what we want to do, when we want to do it.
I’m hoping for no blowout. I want the Niners to be a little flat and win on skill and determination. I want them to peak in Jan-Feb, not Sept.
On another topic, I had a good laugh last night remembering all the Cam-is-better-than-Alex nonsense on this site.
Boy I really dislike predictions of a blowout. As a coach, you never want to underestimate an opponent. The Vikings are the first balanced team the 49ers will face this year. They’re offense isn’t great but they can run and they can pass a little bit. Percy Harvin is a dangerous player. They have some really good players on defense. I think the 9ers will win but you’ll probably never see me predict a blowout.
Houston,
You’re not saying that if you predicted a blow out that might cause the 49ers to become complacent, are you?
Chris Owusu signed by Tampa Bay off the Chargers practice squad.
That should be a good fit for Chris. I’m happy for him.
The fact that a number of the 49er roster cuts have caught on elsewhere shows the great job done by the scouting department, and could help with the signing of top undrafted free agents moving forward.
Owusu has the skill, talent, and work ethic be a starting WR one day. It’s unfortunate he won’t be doing it in a Niner uniform. Best of luck to him, nonetheless.
oops!..ah,no big deal.
Vikings win – ha ha…all you 9er fans that were so arragant in your predictions were very funny!! NOT only did the Vikings win..we MAN HANDLED your 9ers on every level. take that to the bank.
Yawn. We’ve already moved on.
You better see what you can do against your division.
arragant? Did your spellcheck fall into one of those 10,000 lakes?
No question though, the Vikes were the better team that day. But say, how’s that Viking record in the Super Bowl coming? And when was your last trip?
I know things move a little slow for you midwesterners, but the time to talk smack is right after the game, not nearly a week later. Keep that in mind if the Vikings win another game this season.