The 49ers play the Green Bay Packers in three days. In the meantime, I’ll break down a few key matchups a day.
CB Tarell Brown: 5-foot-10, 193 pounds, 27 years old, 4.42 40-yard dash
vs.
WR Jordy Nelson: 6-3, 217 pounds, 27 years old, 4.45 40-yard dash
The Packers love to match up Nelson against the smallest cornerback in the secondary. The 49ers’ smallest corner is Tarell Brown. Nelson is four inches taller and 25 pounds heavier than him. Brown is going to need help from Dashon Goldson, especially in the red zone, where Nelson is Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target.
Advantage: Packers
CB Chris Culliver: 6-0, 199 pounds, 24 years old, 4.36 40-yard dash
vs.
WR James Jones: 6-1, 208 pounds, 28 years old, 4.54 40-yard dash
Culliver has the advantage athletically, but Jones has a big thing working in his favor: He’s probably going to face Culliver one-on-one most of the time. Donte Whitner will be helping Patrick Willis cover Jermichael Finley, and Dashon Goldson will be helping Tarell Brown cover Jordy Nelson. Culliver is good, but I don’t think he can lock down a good veteran receiver by himself just yet.
Advantage: Packers
CB Perrish Cox: 6-0, 198 pounds, 25-years old, 4.56 40-yard dash
vs.
WR Randall Cobb: 5-10, 192 pounds, 22 years old, 4.37 40-yard dash
The Packers are not afraid to use four-wide-receiver formations on second- and third-and-long. I expect them to use these formations more often than usual against the 49ers, forcing them to substitute No. 4 cornerback Perrish Cox for All Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman. When Cox comes in the game, he’ll most likely match up with the Packers’ No.2 pick from last year, Randall Cobb. Both Cobb and Cox are inexperienced, but Cobb is much faster, so he gets the edge.
Advantage: Packers
FYI – as I’ve already told you, I’m flying out tomorrow with my dad for Sunday’s game against the Packers. We’re having dinner with Ira Miller Friday night in Chicago, and then my dad will drive up to Appleton, Wis., on Saturday afternoon.
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Our defensive backs will get better if the pass rush is there.
I agree, we will win this game if we get pressure on AR. If not, this could be a long day
If Culliver can hold is own against Calvin Johnson as a rookie, I think he will do juuuuust fine against Jones. On a side note, if the top of this webpage didn’t say “Inside the 49ers” I would have figured every one of these matchup posts is a written by a GB Blog writer. Sure appears that way doesn’t it.
Our secondary is one of the worst in the league. They were saved last year because they didn’t face many pass first teams. The scores were all generally close which played to the 49ers strength and allowed teams to attempt to run the ball.
This year it’s just the opposite. I don’t see Rogers making any probowls. I don’t see Goldson back next year. I certainly don’t see Culiver making a probowl either.
It is going to be a long day for the 49ers. As I’ve said before, I think by week 7 we’ll be talking more about the 49ers weak secondary rather than Smith’s QB play.
Thankfully we have one more year of the division stinking it up so that a 7-9 record could and probably will win the NFC west.
Matt
You mean teams like NO and NY (twice)? Along with Philly?
By the way we won 3/4 of those games. May want to rethink the opening sentence of your post.
>>Thankfully we have one more year of the division stinking it up so that a 7-9 record could and probably will win the NFC west
Matt, are you predicting a Niners 7-9 record? (crazy, IMO) Or some other NFCW team beating out the Niners with a 7-9 record? (insane, IMO).
Matt,
You don’t get 38 takeaways with a bad secondary. There are only so many elite QB’s in the league. Yes, we do have to face most of them this year. However, defenses work together as a unit. The key to our defense is simply to e able to generate pressure with 4 guys. That enables us to be able to cover on the back end. If you think a 1st year starter is going to contain Justin Smith, then you don’t know niner football. If you think the packers tackles can contain Aldon Smith, you don’t know Niner football. Rogers is gonna chuck it quite a it. That’s because they won’t run against us. I know you know that. We have to take care of the footall ourselves and still get Smith to be agressive at the right time.
I’m not crazy about our secondary. It’s not great ut it’s far from poor. We hit people, that’s what I like. It’s going to be interesting. Remember, we’re supposed to have weapons now and a master of this offense at QB. So we should score on them as well. We’ll see.
Give me a score.
GB 24 SF 9
Matt, It looks like the niners has a better defense than the packers..wtf !
@ DS I might not have been clear in how I explained my thoughts. You mentioned 3 teams but the season was 16 games. That’s 18% of the teams they face. So, I stand by my opening sentence, “They were saved last year, because they didn’t face MANY pass first teams”. Secondly, just because your secondary is suspect, doesn’t mean you lose the game. As Jordan pointed out, 38 take aways is phenominal! Greenbay showed that if your offense is good enough, you don’t need to field a defense to win. That’s what I meant by the comment.
@ Ribico I don’t think the 49ers go 7-9 by any means. I just think that a 7-9 record by SF would win the division, because the rest of the division is that bad. Any win above that mark is just a different seed in the playoffs.
@Manilaboy SF does have a better D than GB. However, GB’s offense is so far ahead of the rest of the NFL that defense really isn’t a concern when the offense is hitting on all cylinders. GB just needs to have one more offensive accomplishment than SF. That isn’t hard. It puts an incredible amount of pressure on SF’s D. They can feasible play a perfect game and still lose.
This year we play:
Tom Brady (didn’t play him last year)
Aaron Rodgers (didn’t play him last year)
Those two guys looked great last year. Did you look at which defenses they faced and when they faced them?
GB faced trash. The Bears were really starting to get good. Then a ton of injuries killed their season. The Lions D was talked about A LOT when we played them when they were undefeated. By the time GB played them, they were Rams bad. The Giants in the regular season nearly beat them and they were just starting to get their players back. By the playoffs, they were all back, and kicked AR butt.
Did you happen to see the Raider-Miami game last year? The Raiders entered the game as the best team in the NFL with 20+ yard passes (not GB or NO or NE). The Dolphins had a good D. By the time the Raiders made their first big play of the game, it was a landslide losing effort.
Good D beats good offense. Most big plays are a result of a defense screwing up. Look at our D last year. Nobody broke tackles or missed assignments. And we were historically great.
When AR plays us, he’ll be glad he didn’t last postseason. And most TO’s occur on passes. QB fumbles/Int’s/receiver fumbles account for a lot more TO’s than RB fumbles. We swarm them, we strip them, we beat them. Doesn’t have to be an Int all the time.
Great points as always DS. I absolutely hope I’m wrong that SF loses this game. I just don’t think the 2012 defense is as good as a match against 2012 opponents as the 2011 team was against 2011 opponents.
24-9 might end up being 31-9. It really depends on the pressure on Rodgers.
DS
Nobody missed tackles or assignments?
Dallas and LF come to mind right off the bat. but I know what u mean. Whitner was new and you cant change what DG is (high risk high reward).
I know that good tacklers dont just become bad tacklers but I saw too many missed tackles in the preseason from our 1′s to sit here and spout 2001 ravens.
Our run D was historic not so much our Pass D who gave up soft TD to J.Cribs and S.Moss (both by TB i believe) and a bunch to DAL
In the end. All the great passers will preapare us for the playoffs because even if we loose all of the games vs top 5 qb We will still make the playoffs
I don’t like none of the matchups in the 9ers secondary, I think the packers have the advantage all the way around + AR is just too good , 9ers might be able stop them in the red zone, because less room to run around if not it’s going to be a long day just don’t feel good about this game , I thinks it’s because 9ers just can’t beat them .
I know exactly what you mean. I think the game will go one of 2 ways:
1) Packers will come out and dominate offensively and make us look like the niners we’re used to seeing the past decade. And our offense isn’t built to come from behind.
2) Our defense will be disruptive and in Rodgers face all day, much like the saints game, and we will pull this one out.
I hope its the latter, but I’m pretty nervous too.
Stoping them in the redzone is a good thing. The bad? The packers rarely get in the redzone. They score a ton outside the 20. Front four are a big key.
It’s up to our front 4 , oline and Alex to win this game.The packers pass rush was terrible last year , only threat really is clay mathews , their secondary is never going to be able to cover Moss , Manningham , and crabtree , that leaves aj hawk on VD , we need to open it up quick use the pass to set up the run , if we put up 17 points to their 7 by the half we can wear them down with Gore , Hunter and James. But if we come up short with 3rd and 7+ all game we will be in trouble. Comeon Alex!
James Jones over Culliver–are you serious, Grant?
I seem to recall Culliver doing a very admirable job against Calvin Johnson (league’s best receiver)…as a rookie…in Detroit.
Advantage: 49ers
Culliver against Johnson: 7 catches for 113 yards, with safety help.
Grant
And correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you say he had a good game?
Because a lot of “experts” did.
For a rookie against the best wide receiver in the NFL. That doesn’t mean he’s going to win one-on-one matchups with no safety help against James Jones in Year 2.
I’m confused now Grant.
I thought you have credited AR for making his WR’s look so good.
Well if Culliver is as good as he looked last year against Johnson who is way better (Jones is the #3 WR, right?) than Jones by far, I don’t see your reasoning.
Calvin has a humongous region where if Stafford puts the ball, Calvin will get it. I doubt Jones has anywhere near that kind of region.
So if you are going off of last years numbers of CJ and Culliver, Culliver will do a lot better than 7 catches for 113 yards.
He had safety help with Johnson. He’s going to be on an island against Jones. Most good wide receivers win one-on-one matchups, and Jones is a very good wide receiver.
I remember more than a few times during that Detroit game where Culliver had CJ in single coverage on a deep route, and Culliver prevented the completion with tight coverage.
Culliver’s a good player, but Jones has the edge in this matchup. It’s close.
We’ll see.
If Jones gets the better of Culliver more than not, I’ll be disappointed in Culliver.
Why?
Because Culliver will be going up against more WR’s who are higher up in the pecking order on teams. And he can’t be getting beat by a #3.
The idea that floated around the blog (though I never really thought it would happen) was that we would let CR go, and let Culliver take his spot since CR will cost us a bunch of money and for several more years.
That idea is not even worth thinking about unless you really think Culliver is close in skill to CR. So if Culliver gets beaten by a #3 more than not, that would really….well…suck.
If Culliver wasn’t going to be on an island most of the game, I’d give the edge to him. It’s a stretch to expect him to shut down Jones on his own, especially with Rodgers throwing it.
Take care Grant.
It’s been fun!
How many touchdowns?
0 Mar, and I agree with your point. If Rodgers throws for 500 yards but the D keeps them out of the end zone they are doing their jobs. We saw that all last year, and I expect we’ll see it again this year.
Grant,
James Jones may be a very good number three receiver, but he’s not a very good receiver, IMO. Culliver should win that matchup. He should at least stay even.
calvin has a catching space/volume of a small house…..hard for anyone not to need help vs that particular attribute
This secondry feeds off of front four pressure. They are not a great secondary when left one on one. That’s football and it’s team football. We don’t have a shut down corner. Most defenses don’t have a shut down corner. To put this on one cb is ludacris. Especially with AR throwing the ball. He has years with his recievers and is a great back shoulder passer. Watch some footage on him. The ball is already there before the reciever breaks route. THAT and his accuracy is what makes AR and his receivers so good. Put it to you all this way. How many true shutdown corners have there been in the last 20 years? I can think of 3 maybe 5 if I put my thinking cap on.
Sanders
Revis
D Green
@David
I agree 100% I think this game is on one person shoulders #11 if the 8 year vet plays like he did against new Orleans it’s a rap ,GB will lose there first game to Sf in 20 years .
Sputnik
15 yrs but close. remember the catch 2
Bos…… First off I’d like to say in the most polite way I can. That the Celtics suck! Lol :-)
Second: IMO and others that I know. There can be only 1 “”the catch” then we have the redemption
Reception, the the Vernon post. I think it takes away from the single most important play in franchise history. Just sayin. Would you agree?
MD
Lakers fan as I recall? Enjoy the turnstile D at pointguard and the inferior offensive skills of ur center :) It should be a great season and the fact that we’re (the c’s) on ur mind reaffirms that were reloaded and ready to go. Here’s hoping for a laker celtics final
On your second point: Agree 100% there is only 1 “the catch” for what it was and the unofficial start of the 9ers dynasty. I like redemption reception (although it doesn’t roll of your tongue as well) and the Vernon Post was great in that hopefully it signifies a return to dominance. I agree that calling anything else “the catch 2,3,4,etc” diminishes the original i just couldn’t think of a better name for it.
49ers 27 Packers 24
Confidence and swagger. The 49ers have it. The Packers deep down have questions after an early exit in Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood. At some point in this game, I expect the 49ers to impose their will and take everything, including the victory.
Exactly!
reggie cobb was a 2nd round draft pick not a 1st rounder GRANT.Derrick Sharrod was Green Bays 1st rounder last year.Just thought I should correct you since im not the sports writer just kidding lol.
Sorry I mean Randle Cobb.
Well clearly your prediction will be a packers landslide. Considering they have the edge in nearly every matchup
Clearly on what ?? You think the Packers are invincible ? The packers found it out in the playoff, that they’re not…hahaha
The pack is going be upset guaranteed! I wrote all about it here and how to bet this and some other locks out there this week! http://nfllatestnews.com/some-underdog-picks-to-chew-on/
Grant,
When the Packers go 3-4 wide how do they typically line up, ie who are the outside receivers and who are the inside guys?
Nelson and Jones outside, Jennings and Cobb/Driver inside.
Jack
On the defensive side, the Niners like to play nickel ‘two man’ in those situations. The “two man” – where two safeties are deep with man-to-man against the five eligible receivers – could be a risky move especially if the pass rush is not there. Green Bay will have one-on-one coverage everywhere and it could turn into a long day for the secondary.
Nick,
They will stay base against 3 wide on early downs, and Nickle/Dime on 3rd or against 4 wide. That was their formula last year and I don’t see that changing much.
Really looking forward to watching how this game unfolds.
Just thought you all might want to see what Packers fans are saying about this game. They definitely are not looking at this as a cakewalk. Sunday is going to be fun.
http://www.packerforum.com/threads/49ers.38647/
Good blog Jack,a civil group of fans.
Jack – I agree with Neal, no bickering among themselves in there.
I guess no one on there declares that they are only on there to start fights are they Neal? Maybe thats why its civil.
FDM – Score prediction Sunday?
Crab 15, run the ball, play good defense, win the turnover battle and field position battle:
Niners 23
Packers 21
Lets go 49ers!
Neal,
You’re right, it is a very civil blog, which is nice. As they might say in GB, it was the most boringest sports blog I’ve ever read.
Given the choice between boredom and acrimony, I’ll take acrimony. In my sports blogs, anyway.
FDM
Your plan sounds too similar to last years plan man! Tha tdidn’t work. We only won 14 games.
We want to throw it 50 times a game to prove that AS diapers are very much off.
:- )
FDM,
Is the F in your name stand for female, you remind me of a women who remembers things back 5 years ago and constantly brings it up, I am no worse than your Bro primate.
Oh Neal, bioch slapped again! 5 years? Try 5 months clown since you been on here and ever since you and Mr. Know it All Hack Jammer, this blog has had to deal with stupidity at its best!
It is Prime, I am the most unhappiest person in the Universe. Time Hey Slime I heard you tried to get a facebook account but no one wants to be on your friends list. LMAO!!!
Your not the unhappiest person in the universe, your the dumbest, remember Neal?
Prime,
Come along now. Time for dinner. Made your favorite, Bananas Foster.
Prime having dinner out with family and friends and your having Mac and cheese in you’re Mommy basement
Your obviously not buying, how can a dummy pay for
anything when he can’t count numbers or read letters?
BTW, I like my Mac & Cheese with sliced banana’s.
Once again I prove your my little pet Neal. Your out for dinner and you have nothing better to do than worry about me. Your weak!
Primate,
Going out to dinner now, not like you, you old fart, you had your dinner 5.OO, and you will be in bed by 7:30 snooze moron, Damn I own you, little twerp, seeya LOSER
Neal order the salmon, suppose to be good for the brain, whatever little brain you have might do it some good.
Your so easy, I knew you would bite!
Just curios to see if anyone heard the outcome of Haggans meeting with the powers that be?
I’m more curious than curios. Coffee taking its sweet time to kick in this morning.
A decision was supoose to come down by Wed. No news is good news I guess.
I believe undercenter addressed this in an earlier post. He said the NFL has to inform a player Tuesday of the week they are playing if they will be suspended that week. Since the NFL hasn’t made a decision yet, Haggans is clear to play this week.
49ers beat the Packers 31-3 last night at my house … Madden 13 is awesome. Run the ball down their throat and keep Rodgers on the sideline. Simple.
Pretty good plan, Paul. I was just reading the Pack’s blog, and the guys there aren’t too slow to point out that their Pack had the worst D in the league last year. Their run D was especially weak, and no one on their blog has seen anything to improve it…so Frank and his buddies ought to have a field day on Sunday!
Sure would like to see a couple of long completions to Randy, Mario, and Michael, too, though…just for fun!
When does GC leave on his most excellent adventure (LC read)? I’m already jealous of the wine selection from their esteemed host!
making predictions in the first week of play is a fools errand its why serious gamblers dont play big the first week of the college and pro seasons. on mon we should have a pretty good idea how good this niner team is going to be regardless of wether they win or lose just based on the quality of the win or loss. go niners
oldcoach
Wins are hard. Wins on the road, even more so. I won’t be upset if the Niners win in some un-stylish fashion.
A source you often cite,Greg Cosell?..I SOUND more like Howard then he does.
What a letdown..because you see he looks like uncle.
this is good color, Grant, thanks – safe travels to and from GB.
No Jacobs or Ginn at practice today. Looks like Kyle Williams will get his shot at redemption right out of the gate.
The Judge has over ruled Goodels Bounty Gate. All players suspeneded now get to play this Sunday. For me, I like the Judges descesion.
@undercenter:
According to Mike Florio at PFT, that’s not exactly what happened. He has two posts on the subject. You can find them here.
ESPN just came out and said that the players can play on Sunday. So I see now conflicting reports. How unusual!!!
@undercenter:
They can play, but not because anyone overruled Goodell. There is a question as to whether the suspensions were imposed for conduct reasons or for salary cap reasons.
Gotcha, thanks CB.
Yes, Claude! The way I understand it is, if GODdell can prove the players were violationg the player conduct code, he can still uphold their suspensions. Which he apparently has the proof or other wise the suspensions never woulda taken place. Whatta cluster F*!%!!
No matter how it plays out, the NFL is going to have an ugly battle on its hands. If Goodell produces the damaging evidence of a bounty scandal which specifically shows what the players did, it opens the league up for lawsuits and further damages the league’s image.
If he doesn’t address the issue, he loses negotiating power in the future. The NFLPA sees the district courts as a mediator who will regularly overrule the NFL collective bargaining agreement.
Now that the courts have set this precedence, I wonder if Peyton and Williams appeal their suspension. I don’t think the GM will appeal because 8 games is hardly worth the damage it would cause with Goodell.
Nice article about Randy Moss.
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/07/ryan-randy-moss-still-outpacing-father-time/
Its just like deja vu all over again the 49ers are under dogs.. Thats how harbaugh loves it and the formula to a winning season for the niners..
No respect ! until the niners win it all, theres always gonna be doubters..
Walsh loved it too, that Niners against the world mindset. Gives them that chip on the shoulder instead of Freddie P Soft sitting there.
I wouldn’t worry about the media, the 49ers just come out in the Gb game fired up and go with thier bussiness..
I have a pretty good idea how harbaugh and the niners gonna beat the Packers. Harbaugh have some tricks under neat his sleeves..And surprises, that they practice for this game against the packers.
I love the way harbaugh prepares the 49er team against each team they’r facing each week. You’re right harbaugh has Mike.Mccarthy guessing..
55Niner says:
September 7, 2012 at 12:17 pm
“Well put, AES..
this ongoing BS about Alex Smith and Joe Montana is b-o-r-r-r-i-n-g……Alex is Alex and Joe is Joe. I’ve been watching the NFL for better than 50 years, and have seen some great QB’s…IMHO, there’s none better than Joe Montana…that being said, as a 49er fan, also for better than 50 years, I support the guy that lines up under center regardless of who he is. The on-going debates as to whether or not the 49ers should have drafted Aaron Rodgers and what difference he would have made, or if not the ’9ers were really interested in Peyton Manning, or does JH really believe that Alex is as good as he says he is, really make no difference. It’s time to put those tired, old arguments to rest….its a new season, I’m going to watch and enjoy it for what it is, and be confident that the coaching staff is putting the best players on the field, working towards bringing another Lombardi Trophy to San Francisco.”
55Niner,
This read was on another blog article and I feel it deserves to be on the most current blog article. I couldn’t agree more. Very well said!!! Go 9ers!!!
Hey Hof…
I have no idea how my post made it here…I guess there was a miscue somewhere along the way..I distinctly remember reading the post by AES, hence the reply by me. Thanks for the props..I suppose you would agree that the non stop ‘what if’s’ about Alex amd Aaron Rodgers and the unending and ridiculous comparisons of Alex, Joe Montana and to some degree, Steve Young get old. Gotta let go of what was and learn to accept what is, and move forward.
Does anyone here belong to the 49ers.com message board?
no
Anyone else?? They use to have the 49ers.com message board open for public consumption but now they closed it off unless you are a member of the board.
You brought this up earlier this week right? It is still down? Guess JH doesn’t want any teams to scout all these knowledgeable fans on what the Niners might do to the opposition.
:- )
It’s not down, they are forcing non-members to register and I’m not sure why. Maybe for marketing of the new stadium to receive more email addresses? They typically have some decent reads on there but not worth registering to do so. Even the GB forum gives us access w/o registering.
No but apparently I was on the webzone forum and got banned. Onelame Fife was on the case for this breaking news. DOTE!!!! Lol
Hofer
I’m not a member, but it seems like anybody can use this link and register:
http://forums.49ers.com/
Nick, thanks. It used to be you could access the topics and the comments similar to this PD blog. Now you must register to sign in and I’m not sure why they changed it over the last couple of weeks.
Haha, go watch the latest Harbaugh press conference on 49ers.com. Some reporter kept bringing up kyle williams near the end and Harbaugh gives him the stare down, priceless stuff. Man I love his despise of the media. Grant who was that? Or was it you?
You know what? I’m picking the 49ers. Harbaugh wants to win this too badly. And after NY handled Rogers..he might be a little timid if the 49ers get a bounty like hit on him early..oops!..A did a Kreuger..lol..
The match up looks tough, YES. But if the 9ers can put up points I think they win. I am worried about all passing teams. But it if we can get pressure and score 20+ I think we win. The magic is still there from last year. Harbs has got the boys ready and they had an off season.
These first 8 games will be the deciding factor. Once we hit the bye we will either be in the playoffs and Super Bowl favorites or we will be struggling to win the division and will need help to get in.
Key factor for last years miss Super Bowl run ==> Brayland Edwards – if this guy just put up the same numbers as he did with the Jets the year before we have Lombardi #6.
Key Factor this year ==> One of these new acquisitions needs to shine bright – Moss, Manning, James, Jenkins.
Seriously, dude we have to role players with filling in at back-up fullback, TE and OL. Even the back up QBs look positive. We need MORE POWER Scotty… at the skill positions. Who the eff is going to step up??? I haven’t seen squat this preseason. LET’S GO NINERS!!!
24 points is kinda the nmber I think teams try to reach. If you get 24 points, you’ll likely win.
Now with our D last year, if our offense scored 17, we were sitting comfortably for quite a few games.
Getting irritated, feel like punching someone, maybe a Packer fan except they’re too nice….Ok, so line me up a Sea chickens fan. No one is giving us any love!! all the expert are predicting a 10 point loss for us there….I hope our cowboy is reading this!!! time to get mad. I’m pissed!!! stank eyed!! I might actually look like a raider fan now….lol seriously pissed and want to see some hard hitting. I want Aaron rodgers to go down hard!! I’d like a PW hit on someone like the one against the Jets WR smith I think….
The start of the new season is just around the corner. Couple of wake ups and some hours we are there. Being the first game of the season there will be many focal points.
Offense:
1. New season but AS throwing the ball will remain the primary focal point.
2. Play calling – the tools are there for the using.
3. Alex Boone – how will he hold up. Didnt here much about him and thats a good thing.
4. Offensive line can they pass block as a whole.
5. The running attack – going inside and outside looked great at SD.
6. The receivers can they get open and catch the ball.
7. Turnovers is the only statistic that I pay much attention too.
8. Third down effiecency and Red Zone.
Defense:
1. Aldon Smith is probably the focal point here. He didnt get much work at his new position. If I am Rodgers I attack that spot.
2. Cowboy – the last of the American Bad Ass
3. The secondary is going to be tested all season long. Cant run, will pass.
4. Turnovers – is the only statistic that I pay much attention to.
5. Pass rush, can they get it done with four.
6. Prevent big plays!!
Concern for Packers game.
1. Return game. I have zero problems with Kyle Williams, what if he gets hurt. Could be a sharp dropoff with high possibilities of the turnover(s).
2, Aaron Rodgers his mobility, he is going to get his passing yards but its his mobility that just kills ya.
We need to come out and punch someone in the mouth!! out intensify them from start to finish, pretend like this is a playoff game and make a statement to the whole league!! where are my pads????? :/
Your pads? There are on my shoulders been there for awhile. I am ready.
“…Donte Whitner will be helping Patrick Willis cover Jermichael Finley, and Dashon Goldson will be helping Tarell Brown cover Jordy Nelson…”
i am thinking greg jennings will be willis’ assignment a lot so whitner could be helping there……bowman will probably have some rcvr coverage duties as well
maybe GB secondary is way more suspect than niners, but rodgers has a lot more practice and experience working with his weapons and should make the niners secondary equivalent to GB secondary…..
niners are still a balanced TE power team until proven otherwise….
i am really interested in how the coaches call this game….i think come out guns blazing and send a message to the rest of the league and if it is a GB blowout then so be it but get those weapons interested in being weapons….
Prediction Grant?
I’ll write it and post it this afternoon.
Tomorrow’s a big game no doubt. How do either of these teams play in big games? Nothing bigger than the playoffs. Last year Niners scratched and clawed for two full games against top-notch opponents, falling short of the SB by one play. Green Bay? Forget 15-1, they completely collapsed in their own house like a cardboard suitcase at the first sight of defensive pressure.
Niners have had a full offseason and TC to implement the Harbaugh system. Even at last year’s disadvantage I say Niners would have beaten the Pack in the playoffs. Niners upgraded their offense over off-season, supposedly GB addressed their woeful defense. Niners did the better job – 31-21 Niners.
ribico
I knew GB wouldn’t make the title game. Things were too easy for them last year. But I reealllly wanted to play them anyway. And show GB what a real defense is.
Unlike most, I really wanted to play AR/TB/DB this year. Why not? I have full confidence in our D. If you think they are great, one welcomes the challege they bring. Not run away from it. If you’re scared to play these guys, you aren’t confident in our defense.
Two keys that will make or break THE 49ers win tomorrow.
1 ball control. Run the ball with multiple back sets. Smith needs to take the deep shots and I’m saying at least 7-10. Keep 3rd and shorts often. Clock control.
2 green bay is going to spread them out. It is crucial to play fysical” at the line and the front HAS to pressure Rodgers and have complete awareness of where he is at with gap control and a spy.
If the 49ers do just these two things tomorrow they win. And we put this 8 game losing streak to rest. GB defensive weakness is stopping the run. It wouldn’t surprise me at all for them to stack the box pin their ears back and try to make smith beat them with throwing. The 49 ers if this happens need to do the same gb will do to our defense. Spread them out and make the secondary work. The o line must have a monster day also. This is going to be a tough game to win. 49ers 26 Packers 17.
Run on passing downs and pass on runnning downs and then when the game is in hand be physical with a F, run it down their throats!!
SF wins this game if kaepernick plays 80% of the game. I don’t wish Smith to get hurt by any means. I just hope Kaepernick and his option read come to GB.
It would be controversial, but sit Smith and let Kaepernick run against this team with their weakness against the run. Either way, I see ALOT of QB runs in the cards for SF tomorrow.
If Smith plays: GB 31 SF 10
If kaepernick plays: GB 34 SF 42
@jason
I understand your point. But I disagree.
Perhaps a refresher on AS was to be game winning TD run against the Saints will jog your memory. Or his numerous nice runs against the Giants in the title game.
CK has more running skills. But AS’s are none too shabby. Plus AS is just flat out better as a QB than CK. There is a reason why JH said nice thing about at the time all 4 QB’s. Because it is true. But = true is JH ended any speculation early on who the starter is. I actually thought he’d wait a bit more and let the competition decide it (at the end I was 100% sure AS wins).
Jason,
I said earlier in the week that I hope Kap plays and I have a feeling he might at some point soon in the season. His read option is like Tebow X 20. Harbaugh is going to five Smith a chance to succeed but not at the detriment to this team. Either he moves this offense or he moves aside.
You position won’t be popular here from most, but it is you opinion so it should be respected. I think our offense will score more than 10 points under Smith. We just run the ball too well and GB just can’t stop a power running game. That is primarily the reason that I expect to see Kap at some point soon. Even if only for a few plays or a series. Enjoy the game bro.
Kap should sit and learn and develop. No need to rush his progress or development. If he really is the QB of the future, lets not make the same mistakes as in the past. He is better than a decoy, we have enough RB’s and weopons to score. Gimmick plays/wildcat offense don’t work, ask Miami and if the Jets think Tebow will help run the option and be factor, good luck!
Jason, interesting read. You should listen to the SYoung show on KNBR from last wed. SY states that it adds another dimension for defenses to think about when a QB can run, but states that QB’s win from the pocket. Too much outside the pocket throwing causes turnovers or injury.
There’s been some great running QB’s – RCunningham, MVick, etc. Now there is CNewton. None have won a SB.
If/when CK starts playing, with his strong arm, he doesn’t need to run much. Just enough to make the other team’s defense worry about it. TBD.
This can happen to you too cheesehead fan! Be afraid, be very afraid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6lJB7-iewo&feature=related
I see the Godfather playing big Nickel, keeping at least 5 DBs on the field at all times. I also see Mr. Rodgers running to his right all day long if he’s looking to get deep.
It was PreSeason and we weren’t game planning, but Peyton Manning kept in 7 or 8 for protection against us sometimes to find guys open; it bought him time. Yeah, Aldon wasn’t playing, but McCarthy noticed the approach I’ll bet.
I dunno – max protect seems to be the exact opposite of the Packers’ usual philosophy.
Regarding the JH presser yesterday, which reporter asked the KW question that ticked JH off? Does anyone know? MB discussed it on his blog but only stated a “reported asked”. It’s on NFL.com as a lead article.
We’ll have to ask GC on the live blog tomorrow…
Sup Hofe? You too good for our tea party league? :-)
Crab, it sounds like fun but I’m more into what the 9ers do each week. A win tomorrow would be a great start!
I was in Chicago yesterday. I was not at Harbaugh’s press conference.
GC any idea who asked the question? BTW, sounds like you and LC will have a great time catching up with the HoFer (IM) at dinner. He was the best during the BW years!
I have no idea. Ira’s house was a lot of fun last night, he was so generous. There were six of us: We drank a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot from New Zealand, and a Cab and a Cab blend from South Arfica, all A+.
Grant, you didn’t fly into O’Hare did you? That airport is the 7th Circle of Hell.
Midway. We took “the L” through downtown Chicago. I’d never seen it before. We past right by Wrigley.
GC, make that had a great dinner – looks like dinner tonight is with MB and MM. lol
I wouldn’t sell CK7 short on playing this season. He’s definitely not ready to be the starter, but he could provide a change of pace in a Harbaugh type offense scheme.
CK has shown the ability to throw outside the pocket whether running left or right. AS can do this when running to his right, but this usually occurs when the pocket breaks down. CK would be able to do this by design.
CK could also get in some time during blow-outs, or if we have a substantial lead in our division over the last few weeks of the season.
Alex is ‘da man’ but Harbaugh will have packages involving CK throughout the season.
AES, anything is possible especially from a JH run team but what other playoff teams have their QB’s alternate even for one or two downs a game? Not a good sign if they resort to this in the game plan on a given week. It works well if the team has little talent and/or isn’t expected to reach a .500 record. Like I said, it seems desperate, but it is JH. I hope he doesn’t overthink this season.
Roman gave the JH approved reply to this issue.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Take from that what you will. But AS led the team. Is captain on the team. How likely are you to take out your leader and captain?
Forget the AS debate (there is none). How often does that happen? Not often.
Hofe,
I believe your opening line says it all. Harbaugh is unconventional and is always looking to create mismatches. With so many tools at his disposal it makes sense to utilize them to their optimum potential.
Remember that last season Harbaugh set-up some offensive alignments that had seasoned referree’s totally baffled.
Nothing Harbaugh does on the field surprises me anymore.
I could see it in the red zone if the 49ers continue to struggle there. CK7′s athleticism and willingness to take a shot could provide a spark.
Didn’t these guys change their name to Boyz II Grampz?
Hofe,
If you don’t mind me asking, how do you plan to spend opening kick-off tomorrow?
AES, up early but I’ll be right here on the “live blog”. I’ll be viewing multiple games with my Sunday ticket. Then I’ll need to leave early to meet family in the afternoon for a dinner party. But I’ll be back on the blog around 8 or 9pm. If I didn’t have the dinner party, I’d probably be relaxing at home BBQing skirt steak. More than enough time to do that in future weeks. Good times.
All in!!! Go 9ers!
DS,
If Harbaugh inserts CK at any time, will you have an issue with it?
Harbaugh will do whatever it takes to gain an advantage and ultimately a win.
Whether this involves CK or any other player, the key is winning.
I’m in no way advocating that AS be replaced. I said that he is ‘da man’ and I feel he gives us the best chance at winning, but Harbaugh doesn’t seem to me like the type of person who can be pigeonholed or typecast to a standard norm of conventional thinking.
Harbaugh has an array of tools and he will use them at the right juncture of the game.
AES
IN JH I TRUST
Pretty simple concept there. What part of it are you continually confused by?
The “I. The “trust”. The “JH” part. What part?
By the same token, what if JH replaces MC with AJ? Have him and RM and VD run deep routes and a simple dumpoff pass to KH will yield 20+ yards.
Are you against that? I really don’t like how you keep phrasing your ? at me. Making it seem like I don’t want my team to win.
And to save you time, I would be fine with AJ and CK in a play together. But there is a reason why JH called AS Pro Bowl QB. And a reason why he was voted captain by his teammates (not me). And a reason why he is the starter. JH will put the player who gives him the best chance to win. That is AS. He has signed AS twice onto the team in 2 years. How much more do you want him to do to prove to you he believes in AS?
DS – What’s your agenda? (“replace MC with AJ”) :-)
Whooa! DS, let’s try to put down the sabres for a couple of days and just enjoy this one bud.
Not questioning your intentions and AS committment here. I simply stated that Harbaugh could insert CK at any given moment. That has no bearing or threat on AS’ QB position (no worries bud). It has more to do with strategy and gaining advantages to help you win.
My statement is one based on strategic value only. You’re reading to way much into it bud.
Crab15
My agenda is the same as JH’s. To win.
AES – What’s your game plan for tomorrow bro? BBQ Niner party?
I know there’s a few people in here that don’t love personal info but they’ll get over it. I like hearing what you goodfellas are doing on game day.
I’m just chillin & grillin with a couple Niner buddies and my family.
My pre-game ritual is to blast Hendrix (“Voo Doo Child” song first), Zeppelin, Linkin Park and Social D.
After the victory we mellow out with some Petty, 3 Doors Down, Paul Simon etc.
I still listen to Voodoo Child all the freakin time. Never gets old!
Crab, good 9er tradition that “Voo Doo Child”!! LMAO
Hofe, LSX – Right on!
I forgot to mention, I’ll be live bloggin with many ice cold Lagunitas IPA’s by my side. No warm beer allowed.
Pace yourself on the vino’s Hofe! :-)
Go Niners!
Sounds great Crab 15! You know how to ‘bring it’ bud.
I will have my 49er flags and banners inside and outside the house. Having a ‘pot-luck’ (we’re providing the meats) with about 20 crazed 49er fans dressed in 49er jersey’s over to kick-off the season opener. I will also set up a large screen in the backyard for those who would like to watch the game outdoors while the kids play in the pool.
It’s going to get crazy around here!
AES, all that fun and I didn’t receive an invite. I’m hurt! lol
AES – Niiice! Enjoy the crazy fun bro.
Check in on live blog when you can.
Sometimes I wonder about the small things that may make a difference in a game. Last season, when winning the toss, the 49ers tended to go on defense first. But will they against Rodgers if that happens in this game? Will they take a chance of defending a first drive that could produce a TD and get the Packer fans in an uproar that carries over to the 49ers first possession? Or would it be better to try to establish the 49er running game right away and perhaps have a long drive that eats up the clock; one that also hopefully results in a 49er score. I don’t think Rodgers not entering the game until well into the 1st Qtr would be a bad thing, especially if the Packers were down a TD. Maybe he would push it a little more to answer the 49er score in front of the home crowd on opening day that results in a turnover. Or maybe the 49er defense is stout and the 49ers get the ball back, quieting the crowd which would really be beneficial to the 49ers. Rodgers & Co. really feed off the fans at Lambeau. When the fans are with them they get into a near unstoppable rythym. But as in the playoffs against the Giants, when the fans were out of the game, WR’s were dropping balls and Rodgers didn’t look like the himself during regular season. Like I said, sometimes small things matter.
@spaceborn
Defense first on the field. They are our best unit between them and the offense. Plus the first game of the year. The 2 teams with the best record in the NFL. Emotions run high. Emotions are best on defense, not offense. That favors our D more than our offense.
AR in the playoff game looked like Warner when the NFL started to figure out how to stop “the greatest show on turf”. Kinda confused going “Well, we are supposed to do against the Giants what we did against other teams.” There is a period of disbelief when players lose their cool/ability/whatever you call it. The Giants jumped on it. If we do the same, the result will be the same.
DS, thanks for the response. I just threw that out there, partly, because the 49er defense can sometimes start slowly and give up a few big plays before settling-in. It doesn’t always allow a TD, but often has resulted in an FG. Rodgers threw for 10 TD’s in the 1st Qtr last season, however. Not sure the 49ers want to be down early in Lambeau. Guess we’ll see at the coin toss.
@spaceborn
(nice name by the way)
It was a good post. Not the normal stuff which I contribute too.
You and Rusty may be right. Put it to you like this
I won’t be mad at JH if he put our offense out there first.
Question for you. What if the opposite happens? Do you think GB puts our offense out there first? Knowing they are our weak unit from last year? Hoping they can stop us and get a short field so they don’t have to go on long drives to get their 1st score?
Space,
My first reaction was the same as DS’; our best unit is our D, so they go first. But the more I think about it, the more sense your approach makes…at least, to me! The Pack’s D is SOOO suspect, it might be a great strategy to pick on them a bit at first. This is all assuming our running game is working. Given what I’ve seen over the past several years, that’s not an automatic, but if our O line has any pride, they might just show us something on the first series of the year. THAT would be a nice start to a great day!
GO NINERS!!!
With D.Bishop out, I see the 49ers running up the gut all day. They will run K.Hunt to the outside when the defense is tired and reeling. CK could also provide a run and pass threat once the defense looks confused and out of sorts.
49ers 28
Pack 10
AES, what’s your plan for kickoff tomorrow?
I’m thinking this game will look a lot like the Lions game last year with hopefully the same result.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the Pack will collapse in the 2nd half.
Packers 27 – 49ers 20
MSC,
The 49ers are 1-14 against the Pack dating back to 1990.
It’s time to ‘reverse the curse!’
I think that the niners will pull of an upset and are a lock to bet this week! I wrote all about it here as well as some more locks to help u win some cash! http://nfllatestnews.com/week-1-sports-gambling-picks/
This is cool – Word of Muth will feature the 49ers this year. Should be some good insights into the 49ers O-Line considering Muth played for Harbaugh and Drevino.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/word-muth/2012/word-muth-selection-thursday
Kyle Williams already starts? and against GB???..I will be shocked if he doesn’t muff. Why shouldn’t GB do what NY did?…or hell,what college team that got him to fumble away Arizona’s bowl bid?.
He must be the nicest kid on the block to still be on the team.
Hoferfan67 says:
September 8, 2012 at 12:41 pm
“AES, all that fun and I didn’t receive an invite. I’m hurt! lol”
@Hofe
(lol) You’re Welcome anytime bud!
But my friends and family are divided down the middle on the AS debate (lol). I never let things get out of control tho (haha!).
Off topic – I’m devouring ‘Rum Punch’ by Elmore Leonard. Anyone ever read it?