My Week 2 Power Rankings, in tiers.
Tier 1: The 49ers.
Tier 2: Empty.
Tier 3: Empty.
Tier 4: The Texans and a few other teams.
Tier 5: It doesn’t matter.
No team ranks anywhere near the 49ers right now. They’re in another universe.
They’re so good, it’s more interesting to rank the 49ers players against the other 49ers players.
So let’s forget the Power Rankings for now. Let’s create the 49ers’ Team MVP standings.
There are at least five Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year candidates on the 49ers right now, so it’s tough to rank these players. They’ve all played terrifically.
Here’s my best attempt at the MVP standings. Remember, this list will change as the season goes on.
- Justin Smith: He was the team MVP last year, and he’s still the best player on the 49ers. He might be the best player in the NFL right now. He’s one of the only players who is double-teamed almost every snap. If he wasn’t double-teamed, he’d lead the NFL in sacks. He’s also top-notch against the run, and at times it seems he shuts it down single-handedly.
- Aldon Smith: 3 sacks through 2 games – tied for 2nd-best in the NFL. You can’t beat the 49ers if your left tackle can’t block Aldon Smith. The Niners have the best defense because they can stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Without Aldon Smith, the Niners could not pressure the quarterback nearly as well.
- Frank Gore: The best 2-game start of his professional career. He’s averaging 6.1 yards per carry – 3rd best in the NFL. He’s gained 218 yards from scrimmage – 13th in the NFL. He’s gained 10 first downs – tied for 10th in the NFL. And he’s scored 2 touchdowns. If he keeps this up, he’ll have his first All-Pro season.
- Vernon Davis: The Niners’ offense has scored 6 touchdowns. Davis has scored half of them. He is tied for the NFL-lead with 18 points scored (not including kickers). The Niners would struggle to score touchdowns without Davis. He’s their No.1 mismatch and No.1 red zone target. Like Gore, Davis is on pace to have an All-Pro season. He’s caught 6 first down passes, and he’s averaging 14.5 yards per catch. That ranks 3rd among all tight ends.
- Alex Smith: Another early All-Pro candidate, Smith’s had a phenomenal start to the season. His QB rating is 115.9 – 2nd only to Matt Ryan. Smith’s completing 70.1 percent of his passes – 5th best in the NFL. He’s thrown 4 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s converted 4 out of 6 3rd-and-longs. It’s hard to imagine him playing any better, but he could definitely climb this list in the upcoming weeks. He’s been playing with leads, so he hasn’t had to put the team on his back and make a lot of difficult passes in obvious passing situations. What he has done is audible to the right plays at the line of scrimmage and distribute the football almost perfectly. His growth as a quarterback under Jim Harbaugh has been outstanding.
- NaVorro Bowman: He’s slightly outplayed Patrick Willis so far. Bowman has 15 tackles, 2 passes defensed and 1 game-saving interception against the Packers.
- Patrick Willis: 12 tackles, 1 pass defensed, and one TD allowed. Willis set the tone against Detroit when he crushed Calvin Johnson after a four-yard completion over the middle.
- Carlos Rogers: He continues to shut down slot receivers without any help from a safety. He took Greg Jennings out of the game in Week 1, and he took Nate Burleson out of the game in Week 2.
- Michael Crabtree: He’s caught 9 first down receptions. Three of those came on third and long, 2nd best in the NFL behind the Steelers’ Emmanuel Sanders, who’s caught 4 first downs on third-and-long. He’s gained 77 yards after the catch – 15th best in the NFL. He has become Alex Smith’s favorite third-down target. He has an extra-large catching-radius, he fights for extra yards and he’s improved his speed.
- Dashon Goldson: 10 tackles already. That’s tied for third best behind Bowman and Willis. Goldson plays 15-20 yards behind the line of scrimmage to take away the big plays from the offense, but he’s been able to make up the ground and tackle ball carries in the hole on running plays.
Anyway, that’s my list for now. It’s fluid. Consider this the 49ers’ honor roll.
And please don’t be upset that I’ve ranked Alex Smith 5th. He can always move up, and look at the players who are ahead of him and behind him. They’re all great.
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I’d switch VD with Gore. He did some great blocking in the gb game. I know they don’t have stats for that, but he’s bigger for our offense then gore right now. We have NOBODY to fill in for davis.
Good point, MD.
Brooks should be where Rogers is at…He has been playing great and getting a lot of pressure on the qb.
GC, DAkers should be on the list as well. Number 10? He hasn’t missed a FG and already has 24 pts including a record 63 yd FG.
Grant,
I am so happy. I don’t know if you had anything to do with it, but I can finally see comments on this website through my phone! This new platform rocks!
Great article! Maybe not yet this season but you gotta have Lee and Akers on this list. They are the best kicking duo in the NFL. They will be a huge part of the niners success moving forward
Grant,
I just posted something in the Harbaugh on Alex Smith thread but it says it’s awaiting moderation. I’ve never seen that before. Do I have to redo the post? Hope not it was a long one.
rocket
Hope I’m not butting into a thread I know nothing about, but you have a link in the post more than likely.
For the time being, remove the link, then it will post. Add the link to a new post right below it.
Or add a space into the link like:
www(dot) (space) rest of link. We can figure it out.
In the mean time e-mail Grant’s gmail and ask him. He’ll reply faster.
Thanks DS. It worked itself out so all good.
rocket
You’re welcome
Grant
I know you may have seen perhaps or 2 posts around saying you should not be here because you’re not a fan.
Well, if you were, this blog topic would mean little. Any of us would/have said this. Coming from a non-fan though, it means more.
Nice blog topic.
Grant
I’m pissed AS isn’t #1
:- )
Had to throw that in there since you commented specifically about it. Can’t let you get a big head now. lol
while the cranky old dude in me thinks it’s too early to start such discussions, i got such great pleasure reading the lineup of players and performances. its pretty amazing when Patrick Willis is possibly your 7th most valuable player at this point of the season.
clearly, no one has it better than us! stay humble and healthy, Niners.
I was thinking the other day about which player(s) we couldn’t do without, given our remarkable depth in so many positions. All I could come up with is Justin Smith. May be Vernon, certainly it would take two different guys to make up his blocking AND receiving skills.
Aldon Smith is great, but to have him ahead of Vernon Davis and Frank Gore just doesn’t feel right. Without Gore or Davis, this offense wouldn’t be balanced at all. Crabtree should also be higher as well, especially after his performance on Sunday against the Lions.
Honorable mention should go to Ray McDonald. He’s quietly having a good start to the season.
Soap is another candidate. He’s the anchor of the defense and sets the tone for stuffing the run.
I agree, I’d have to put McDonald in there somewhere. He’s one of the best D-linemen in the league right now, gets very little press. Ironically, J. Smith (formerly unheralded) gets all the press now. Sopoaga hasn’t played enough snaps to get on this list.
1. Justin Smith
2. Vernon Davis
3. Frank Gore
4. Aldon Smith
5. Michael Crabtree
6. Alex Smith
7. Navarro Bowman
8. Patrick Willis
9. Carlos Rogers
10. Dashon Goldson
Good list mid. But IMO you gotta put A Smith a notch above MC
Although MC has made some big and tough catches smith is orchestrating this offense beautifully right now. He is all of a sudden money on third downs. Behind gore and vd I can’t see another offensive player ahead of smith. That’s my opinion on it. Take it! Lol
Good point Md. Right now I have Crabtree ranked higher due to his performance late in the game against the Lions. Really, I think both Alex and Michael are tied for fifth. Scratch that six.
I think you need to add Ahmad Brooks in there. His sack late against GB was huge and he made another big play on Sunday knocking down the pass on 3rd down after the fumble.
Maybe have a 10a and 10b, or make it a MVP starting 11?
I think you’re right. Where would you rank Brooks?
I would have Brooks at 10 and Goldson at 11.
If I could do it over again, that’s how I would rank them as well.
What about McDonald?
Hear, hear! McDonald and Smith on the d-line are the foundation for the entire defensive philosophy (allows them to play a “light box” and still stuff the run…..the key to the greatness of this defence).
McDonald has to be on this list.
Nice column Grant, but I’d advise that you wear some good shin guards next time you are in a room with Jim.
before you rank gore, a. smith, v. davis and crabtree you have to create a spot for the entire O line without davis iupati goodwin boone and staley those other players are’nt experiencing half the success that they are
+ 1
+2
+3 1/2
old coach
-1
Why can’t you include said players among the top 10? I did.
After week 4 if smith is still this good he’s got to be higher on the offensive side. Let’s keep it real. He hasn’t really had a tough test against very good secondary’s. In NY, that should be the staple and measuring stick for smith this season this far.
How about “you know who” against a crippled Atlanta secondary last night? Bad passes will kill any quarterback against any DB that makes it onto a NFL field.
What does that have to do with the 49ers? Are you asleep?
md – I believe he’s saying anyone can stink it up on any given Sunday. Look at the picks Cutler threw against the same GB defense AS played.
I would even say he deserves to be higher anyway. Do we really think Kaep could come in and make the calls Alex has made?
Certainly we have more faith in him now since we saw indications, but while he might even have more success down field than Alex, he’s not likely to be as efficient, make the right calls and be mistake free. Guarantee he’d be good for two picks by now if not more…and mistakes against these offenses could have been fatal.
My list at this point (Top 5, more later)
1. Justin Smith- The biggest reason our D is what it is. When he was out last year against the Rams, we didn’t look so great. Moment he came back in, we did.
2. Alex Smith – Captain. Done everything he needs to win. That is the definition of a leader.
3. Alex Boone – I was most concerned with the OL. I knew we had real weapons this year. They mean zilch if AS hasn’t the time to get them the balll. Boone has done a great job in pass/run blocking. Would not be shocked if he ends the season as our best OL
4. Ahmed Brooks – Got a new contract, and he showed up big when it mattered in GB. Every bit as much as MC did last week.
5. Frank Gore – The heart of the team. AS is the captain. Can’t dismiss the importance. But Frank is something greater. We need to win this year for him.
+1
@willie
Who are your top 5/10? The same?
And I can’t help but wonder. Were you the major of SF at one time? Feel free to ignore this question if desired.
-1
I love Brooks, but how can be ranked higher than Bowman, Willis, and Aldon Smith?
Nick
What has my complaint of MC been? He doesn’t make big plays in big moments in big games. AKA 4th quarter until last week.
By the same rule requirement, Brooks showed up big time in GB’s last offensive series. He was blowing the OL up. Sacking AR/pressuring AR. Making time tick down when it mattered most. We might not have won in GB if Brooks isn’t making big plays in big moments in that game. We’ve only had 2 games, so how can I not include him?
PS Do you really want to see the same list of the same guys in the same order as everybody else? That is boring.
6. Carlos Rodgers – he is the #1 CB on a team which due to the fact you can’t run against them has to throw it. That strategy fails badly if the #1 WR is getting open just fine. CR is a major player on this team and its success
7. Anthony Davis – I wondered a lot this off-season if he could step it up. Along with Boone, they are the ones who really determine the upper limit of this offense. AS is a freaking genius. VD is not to be stopped. And with the improved play from the WR position so far, the problem on offense isn’t going to be the playmakers. But the OL. They hold up, all things being equal, we win the Super Bowl handily.
8. Patrick Willis – While Bowman has more tackles, it is still because teams fear Willis more. Like Ray Lewis in Baltimore. He isn’t always the leading tackler every year. But if he weren’t there, that D isn’t as good. Not even close. Similar case here to a lesser extent (Grant is decent and JS is the keystone here).
9. Bowman – Teams are game planning for Willis. Well, by the end of the year, they will be game planning for a way to ensure the Niners bus does not reach the stadium because this guy is freaking great. It isn’t fair really for the rest of the NFL to have to face NB/PW on the same team.
10. Brian Jennings – Anybody see what happens when a long snapper is hurt when they watched the Raider-Charger game? The Raiders strongest core was ST. Without their long snapper, they were the worst. They lost the game because of it. Don’t think we wouldn’t lose the game if our D was put in similar situations.
DS – You rank our punter ahead of VD and Aldon Smith? Was this a joke? VD and Aldon Smith not ranked? Tell me you’re joking.
Prime – Please tell me DS is joking with this list?
I meant snapper not punter.
DS – Are you kidding me? Our long snapper has been more valuable than VD and Aldon Smith?
C15
I value what our ST did. The key guy is Brian Jennings. If you don’t agree, fine. But he was and for awhile been our lone Pro-Bowl player in the lean years.
And I put in 2 OL in there. Everybody says the games are won in the trenches. Well, how can I ignore that? VD is blocking a lot more if not for AD/Boone handling their guys. That means he isn’t catching 3 TD’s. Or helping clear underneath coverage for MC or giving AS more windows to throw in (2 guys on VD).
If you still think our success on offense doesn’t start with the OL, be my guest. But save your money for stamps. Because I’m not joining that party.
PS Don’t think I don’t like/appreciate all those you mention and more. Just so you know, I thought of having MC instead of Bowman. Insert his name in his place if you desire. And like I told Nick. Why should we all have the same guys and list? Removes the whole point of a blg don’t you think? And md can’t think, so no bother trying to reach him.
C15
Not cool dragging Prime into this. He is welcome to share his thoughts of course. But don’t do the thing AES does to us all the time (and it starts drama often). Dragging the other in. That isn’t respectful.
You have a problem with my post. Address me. Not him or anybody else.
Glad you said it and not me Crab. The Jennings thing is classic.
DS – Seriously I thought your list was a prank.
I wasn’t trying to drag Prime in, I thought he might know if your list was really genuine. That’s all.
DS – I’m blown away that you rank our long snapper Brian Jennings ahead of Vernon Davis and Aldon Smith.
It’s incomprehensible to me.
@All
If you want to read the same material with the same reasons as everybody else. Do yourself a favor and skip all of mine I won’t write what everybody else writes. By now, you should have figured that out.
If you actually in your heart, believe ST mattered to our team last year and this year, how can you not at least consider having 1 player in your top 10? Or if you believe the trenches are really where games are won and lost, how can you not include at least 1OL and 1 DL?
It appears a lot here give these units lip service. Yap yap yap. Then they vanish in the list which determines how important they and disrespect their contributions if they think it is a joke.
Hypocrites.
I’m rewatching the Lions game. Our offensive line is dominating. I love how they are mauling people!
Prime
I also rewatched it. They did do that. If not, FG is gettng pounded. AS is tost. And the WR’s aren’t worth a shilling. No time/throwing lanes to pass thru
Credit needs to be given to those who frequently don’t get it, but have equally earned it as much as those who do get credit (AS/FG/VD/PW/etc)
Funny how supposed “coaches” are not thinking of it.
I feel bad for Joe Staley, he has a hard week every week. What happened to the Joe Show, Joe Show, come and see me monkey around? Did JH kibosh the horse play?
Primate says come and see me monkey around
haha, finally the truth comes to the surface
Worst list ever. Please go away
DS – I just couldn’t believe you ranked our long snapper Brian Jennings ahead of Vernon Davis and Aldon Smith.
I do appreciate our long snappers contributions and our O-line has been oustanding.
So DS, do you purposely try to post off-the-wall material to be different? I’m just trying to be clear what you’re saying.
Correct me if I’m wrong.
I’m not trying to argue, we’ve been cool for a while now.
You better hope Jennings doesn’t screw-up any snaps now. :-)
C15
1. The names are slightly less important than the units they represent. I can’t think AS/playmakers are worth anything if the OL ain’t doing their job. So I must have 1 rep from them. I chose 2. It really didn’t matter which 1 or 2. Insert Staley/Iupati if you like. The unit works/fails as a unit. My choice for AD/Boone was more along how I feel I questioned them a bit in the offseason. AD, I had ?’s on. And Boone because I actually liked Snyder. Who to me was kinda the AS of our OL. Moved around a ton, never settled in, great guy. So I felt it would dishonor him in a way if I didn’t have Boone. Strange? But that is me.
2. We won 13 games last year due to ST. Without them playing like that, our D and AS are not winning close to 13 games. Now there are about 4 guys I’d consider to be my 1 ST rep. Spillman/Akers/Lee/Brian. The key guy I figured is Brian. We don’t even get the 63 yard attempt in GB if Brian screws the snap up. Lee is looking like Lechler if he misses the long snap. So I picked him. In case you haven’t noticed, my list includes the players who make the other more well known players look like they look. I am all about team and you can’t ignore their (Line/ST) contributions.
3. I ended up having 7 more choices. There are at least 15 more guys who could go into those slots. I wanted to include at least 1 player from each level of each unit. I did that except for WR, but I already said sub MC in for Bowman if you like. If you REALLY believe we are a complete team (most complete) in the NFL, you must consider getting 1 player from each level (offense – QB/RB/OL/WR-TE) defense – DL/LB/secondary and also ST.
4. Yes, I am a Trekkie. We do like to look for differences and are a bit more independent thinking than most. So, my posts in general look different, using different factors than most. In this case my list selection/reasoning. Aren’t you bored of the same names/reasons? I am.
I think I’d put Andy Lee ahead of Jennings, Lee is freaking unbelievable. But the emphasis on ST I can agree with. Field position and ball control is a lot of football, and those guys are a key to that.
To me the real point is, we have an unbelievable roster. Our starters, and lets throw in our ST keys in Lee, Akers and Jennings, so 25 guys, are maybe the best 25 of the last decade, anywhere in the NFL. Other teams may have an Ed Reed here or there – but the entirety of that top 25? I don’t think so. This team is strong, everywhere you look.
DS – I agree with you, your posts do look different than most.
No I’m not bored when talking about any Niner player or coach.
Thanks for the explanation, time to move forward from this and focus on something else.
Logic is the beginning of wisdom; not the end. :-)
C15
:- )
It’s unbelievable what good coaching can do!
Our defense is amazing from a variety of points, good players, good coaching, good fundamentals… and the fact that they are so good at tackling. You just don’t see opponents continue to run after first contact from our defensive players. You don’t see our defensive players trying to strip the ball or do other silly stuff, they go in for the proper wrap-up and the opponent just doesn’t get one more inch. It’s unbelievable.
You see it all over the league, the safety flying in from 15 yards away trying to knock the head off an opposing RB only to whif and not wrap him up. 9er players don’t do that, they go in for the solid tackle.
How many of our opponents’ drives could have continued had we not made a 5 yard pass a 6 yard gain?
I gave the game ball for week one to Brooks. I deserves to be on the top 10 list for MVPs so far. He’s been a pleasant surprise.
My boy flew in from Detroit for this game and we had a blast at the game. It was a pleasure watching this team just dominate. They swarm the ball so fast it’s crazy and Alex is creating HUGE mismatches at the line with his audibles. IMO the biggest 3 keys to success are:
1.) Teams can’t run on this D period. We make every team 1 dimensional and because our front 7 are so good… we don’t need to have a extra player rushing the QB which allows our secondary to flourish.
2.) The game calling by G-Ro has been genius. I really believe this whole “Passing league” is behind the WCO that Harbaugh and company have created. How in the heck do you scheme for this offense?!? Even when they go UBER big you still have Vernon that can take it to the house everytime. He is the current day Shannon Sharp.
3.) Back in the day we all know what Urban Meyer said about Alex. Once he grasps the Offense it’s over. Look at all these Elite QB’s throwing INT’s all over the place (Manning.) Alex is picking apart these defensive’s and almost calling a perfect game. MM just wrote a piece on Alex’s game and almost every drop minus the bad snap and throw away were almost all drops. His biggest asset is his knowledge of this complex system and he’s finally becoming what we have been hoping for years. The best part is he’s only going to get better as the season goes along.
4.) I have no doubt this is the hardest working team in football period. Today is their off day and I bet 95% of the players are still in today working getting ready for the Vikes. This team has ONE goal and that is ring #6!!!
Benny,
Nice!
Great post Benny, I agree fully.
Can’t run on ‘us’ period. The End. I would add, the BEST tackling team in the NFL, that is HUGE. it allows Fangio to do so many things that other teams simple cannot pull off, everybody on the D is excellent at making solo tackles.
Extremely difficult to game plan against ‘us’ because ‘we’ are so different from any other team. No team has the overall weapons and the knowledge to use them correctly as do the NINERS!
The team is playing so well that I think you may need to do separate Top 10s for the offense and defense. And a Top 3 for Special Teams.
Claude,
You took the post right off of my keyboard.
I was going to say that with a team as solid as the 49ers, you rank your top ten and somebody can legitimately come up with an additional five, or ten, or twenty names, that could be in the discussion.
This is going to be a fun season.
WOW!!!! Good list Grant but. I agree with ninermd I switch VD with FG since VD is out there blocking and catching the way he is doing nobody can fill in for him….
One player who has really surprised me this year is Anthony Davis. He has really improved his pass blocking skills, of course he hasnt faced top notch pass rushers yet, but hes been much better.
Where are all the Alex Smith haters from last year? I think it’s only appropriate if that they at least step up and post something admitting that he is an adequate quarteback…
1. Justin Smith
2. Vernon Davis
3. Frank Gore
4. Aldon Smith
5. Alex Smith
6. Michael Crabtree
7. Navarro Bowman
8. Patrick Willis
9. Carlos Rogers
10. Dashon Goldson
I don’t think you can put Gore ahead of Smith when the two teams Gore has ran against have abismal run defenses. I just think Smith has done more.
Chris
Yes you can. FG has been the heart and soul of this team. He was drafted along with AS. He knows and has been thru everything AS has. Nobody but Brian Jennings on the team has been thru everything like AS has.
Now, supposedly LF told AZ to get a QB or he wouldn’t have signed with them. LF is the guy in AZ. FG is the “man” here. He could have done what LF did in any of the 7 seasons. He didn’t. If FG does that, then AS isn’t here and we aren’t discussing him at all.
FG most assuredly can be ranked above AS. Heart and soul matters.
I don’t question Frank’s heart. I just am talking about this year, 2012, and game performance in the last 2 games, in my rankings.
Teams are going to change every year. I am merely rating what we have on the team today and how they’ve contributed thus far to the two wins this team has.
Hey Grant, do you know if, and when the NFL will review last weeks game and credit Aldon with two sacks instead of just one?
This week, I think.
They are slacking, not hard to see it was Aldon.
I’m not so sure. The reason Stafford is on the ground when Aldon touches him is because Ray McDonald tripped him up. I bet they split it .5 each.
It is great to see AS look so good. I am proud he is our QB. Did anyone see how bad PM looked last night. Yikes.
Great post grant! Considering Alex’s well documented struggles, amazing he is now ranked this high! I have become a broken record but I do not think we can mention enough how important harbaugh is! He is my number 1 MVP! He would be the first to admit he is only a piece of the puzzle! A important piece!
Harbaugh, G-Ro and Fangio are the best 1, 2, 3 punch of coaching in the NFL!
Don’t forget Seely, who won a SB with the Pats. But gotta admit that last year’s ST unit looks much better than this year’s
My top 10 based on 2 games.
1. Alex Smith (70% passing, 4 TD’s, no INT’s, 115.9 passer rating, no fumbles, intelligent audibles at line of scrimmage, 2 WINS)
2. Gore (over 200 yds rushing, 2TD’s, no fumbles, great blocking)
3. Bowman (leads team with 19 tackles, 15 solo tackles, 1 KEY INT)
4. V.D. (3 TD’s vs 2 playoff teams)
5. Aldon Smith (2 sacks, 8 tackles, heavy pressure on QB)
6. Willis (2nd on team w/15 tackles, big hits, intimidation)
7. Justin Smith (6 tackles, always double teamed , all-out baller)
8. Crabtree (13 catches, key 3rd down catches, solid blocking)
9. Goldson (10 tackles and 1 INT)
10. Akers (63 yard record tying fg, no misses, money)
Well said Crabs!
Prime – I just call it as I see it.
Anyway you think 49ers FO will be able to sign Bowman to an extension after this year?!? I want him and Willis on this team for their entire careers.
I think they will Benny just because of his versatility. He covers TE’s, plays the run well and he plays on special teams. I actually think he is more instinctive than P Willy while Willis is stronger. They are a great tandem and they should extend him sooner rather than later. They are the best ILB’s in the NFL.
They are also give Fangio incredible versatility without changing personnel.
They also, not they are also….
FDM,
Posted before I saw you post.
Crab, fair and balanced! Good job!
Hofe – The Ambassador tries to be fair and is not trying to kiss up to the Alex fans.
Harbaugh should get some credit for the much improved Alex.
I can’t see how any reasonable Niner fan can not see that Alex is now a top 10 QB.
Yes we have V.D. and some pretty good WR’s but we don’t have an Andre Johnson, Megatron or Julio Jones out there.
I wanted to dump Alex for years, thought he was garbage until after the Philly game last year.
I once was lost but now…….you know the story. :-)
Crab, AS fans = 9er fans. BTW, good read on Sando blog that AS has hit 25 of 28 passes to the WRs. MM also has a good read stating that the missed passes last Sunday night should have been caught (all but one). So your ranking of AS being #1 thus far seems to be on the money. Great job Mr Ambassador!
Throw deep! Throw deep! Why doesn’t the idiot Smith throw deep? We’ll never get anywhere until Smith throws deep! If we just had Payton Manning, then we could throw deep.
Where the hell are all the “deepers” now?
Peyton was Atlanta’s 1st half MVP last night ;)
They are looking for “lasers” not floaters. lol
Deepers? Now that thar is funny, thanks for that one.
During PM’s post game interview he said that he’ll look at the tape and he’ll probably see check downs that were available that he should’ve taken, instead of chucking the ball downfield. Ironic.
htwaits – Lol, I don’t know if I qualify as a “deeper” but I said Smith should throw deep once in first quarter to loosen up the defense. I never called Smith an idiot because he’s CLUTCH!!
Crab15, it’s clear that you’re not a “deeper”. When PM finally scored in the first half, he wasn’t either.
are you serious or are you being sarcastic? Peyton has not looked great on his deep throws….
Grant why no mention of an offensive lineman
You don’t need to mention the O Line, they are not in it for the glory!
Who’s the 9ers MVP? WTF as harbaugh would say The team the team the team no individuals.
I don’t see the harm in praising individual contributions to the team effort, its not necessarily a distraction, its encouragement. I jumped up and hollered at Crabs’ clutch 3rd down catches, but I shouted out when he was blocking downfield too. All the contributions are appreciated. Besides, this exercise gives fans another chance to wallow in our happiness. ParTay-on, Hov; roll with it.
1. Alex Smith- Has played flawless football through the 1st two weeks. Doing everything that is asked of him. YPG near the bottom but his YPA is 11th, very good. One of 7 QB’s in the league to not throw an int and 2nd in league with 4 TD’s. If last game we didnt have 6 drops his passing yards may look a little more flashy.
2. Navorro Bowman- Through the 1st two games i think he has been the most dominant player on the whole team. His int week 1 stole away the momentum GB had gained and set us up with a score making it a 2 TD game.
3. Justin Smith-Need I say anything about this guy? Stats will decline this year due to double and triple teams, giving Aldon, Brooks, McDonald one on one’s.
4. Aldon Smith- Without him the 49ers pass rush would be near non existant. There is no Tackle in the league that will be able to block him one on one for a whole game, teams have to scheme for him. Have their RB or TE chip or help with him, that means one less person running routes.
5. Vernon Davis- He’s carried everything he did in the playoffs last year the the beginning of this year. 3 TD’s in the 1st 2 games. BEAST. He is a nightmare for Defenses, Too fast for LBs to cover and too big for safeties. Only concern is his TD celebrations (haha)
6. The offensive line- Offensive line is a whole, no one player is more important than another, which is why i group them together. I have to place them before Gore based on the fact that w/o them, Gore wouldnt be running as efficiently. Gore consistanly is making it to the 2nd level, 5-7 yards before making 1st contact. Pass pro does need to improve but overall theyre doing great.
7. Frank Gore- Him being 7 is not an insult, It can be argued that he is the most important player to our offense. Has played huge these 1st 2 weeks, and i expect him to continue to do what hes been doing.
8. Willis- Still arguably the best linebacker in the game. Had a much better game week 2 than Bowman but Bowman had a huge week 1. Never thought I’d say PW was a 4th MVP on defense. Weird.
9. Crabtree- Played very well through the 1st 2 weeks. Love the chemistry he and Alex have developed. On 3rd down he is the Go-To guy, which is what you wanna see in your #1 WR.
10. Rogers- Has locked down the slot both weeks. No int’s but that is because teams aren’t testing him. Only knock on him was when Megatron fooled him for a big gain, but hey its Megatron.
I’m ok with Willis just behind Bow. I do want to make this point though. With all the talk about D-Bow… being better then Willis at this time, I wanted to focus on Willis during he Detroit game. What I saw was a monster ILB dropping back and shutting down the TE. He was all over the field. I tried that NBC streaming different camera angle joint and it was pretty cool. I love the fact we can see down field now.
Nonetheless, Willis is a damn beast in coverage and he still had one more tackle then d-Bizzy. How nice it is to have a tandem like these guys!!!
Go Niners!!! 3-0 baby.
Peterson aint trying to see this D.
Let’s see how Rogers checks Harvin…. yikes. That will be interesting.
Peterson has never done too well against the Niners. He lives off of breaking tackles, and the Niners don’t miss much.
After reviewing their first 2 games, here are 3 defensive keys to defeating Minnesota.
1). Keep Percy Harvin in check. The offense runs through Harvin as much a Peterson. He is their most explosive weapon. They line him up in the slot and even at RB. If Rogers wins this matchup in coverage it will be a long day for the Vikings.
2). Make Adrian Peterson go lateral. Peterson is at his best when running between the tackles downhill. Get him running sideways and he is very average. He is not much of a threat on sweeps and off tackle plays.
3). Maintain pass rush lane integrity and keep Ponder in the pocket. By keeping him inside you take away his athleticism and force him to throw with defenders around him. Not his strength.
The speed of the 49ers D will be the key. Ponder has a tendency to put a couple passes per game out there for the D to takeaway. Making those plays will set up the O for a big day.
Jack,
1) No problem on that. Megatron>>Harvin
2) No problem with this one, either. The 49ers a great at clogging up the middle and stuffing runs btwn the tackles. They’re no slouches pursuing, either.
3) Shouldn’t be a problem, but even if Ponder breaks containment a here and there, I don’t think he can hurt the 49ers enough to make a difference. Especially if the D nuetralizes AP, which I believe they will.
Three TD victory.
Adrian Peterson is the biggest back this D has face yet this year. He’s a better runner than Benson.
Getting out of this game with a win and no injuries is going to be a huge victory.
exgolfer,
No doubt, however the WR that has given them the biggest trouble so far was Cobb, and many of his catches came after he lined up in the backfield. The Vikings use Harvin in much the same way as Cobb. That will be an interesting match up.
Jack,
True, but Green Bay has multiple dangerous receivers – Jennings, Nelson, Finley and Cobb.
Detroit pretty much only has Megatron, and Minnesota doesn’t have a whole beyond Harvin. But your point is well taken, Cobb and Harvin are similar receivers, used in similar ways, with Harvin > Cobb.
Jack…re:#2
The last time he played against SF was 2009 (preBowman) with just Willis and AP struggled. He’ll might really be seeing double (PW & NB) during and after the game. No slight meant to Takeo. LOL
Jack
Christian Ponder – so far – has 75% completion percentage and is averaging 8 yards/attempt. Yes, the sample size is small, but even when the Niners stop the run, Ponder can be effective. Pressuring the QB will be key – once again – in this game.
Nick,
Ponder has been effective with short throws to Harvin and screens. They need to keep him in the pocket and get their hands up, because the ball will be coming out quick.
Harvin’s 18 receptions are more than twice that of the next highest total on the team. He also leads the NFL in YAC with 153 yards through 2 games. This is a result of how they utilize him out of the slot and backfield. He is going to be a tough matchup for Rogers, and Bowman/Willis. The key will be how well they rally to the ball, and minimize his run after the catch.
Steve Sabol (NFL films) died today. I loved that dude and his amazing work. :-( Brain cancer age 69. Too young man, that sucks.
We’re going to miss you Sabol.
Crabs,
I’m there with you. NFL Films was as big a part of why I grew to love this game as anything. Really sad day.
A football poem written by the great Steve Sabol (please read by hearing John Facenda’s voice saying the words):
The Autumn wind is a pirate
Blustering in from sea
With a rollicking song he sweeps along
Swaggering boisterously.
His face is weatherbeaten
He wears a hooded sash
With a silver hat about his head
And a bristling black mustache
He growls as he storms the country
A villain big and bold
And the trees all shake and quiver and quake
As he robs them of their gold.
The Autumn wind is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He’ll knock you ’round and upside down
And laugh when he’s conquered and won.
The face of NFL films will be missed!
Damn Hofe, I liked that. The Raiders were actually relevant back then.
John Facenda’s voice was perfect for the old NFL highlight films and for that poem.
Hofe – You owe me one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVFsGsAP4aY
Hofe – Sorry, this one’s way better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5CTKlF45Ds&feature=related
Crab, NICE! SSabol wrote that poem for the start of the football season but it fit the Raiders mystique and winning ways back in the early 70s. Man I miss that voice. I grew up living for Sundays and my quart of orange juice and a dozen glazed donuts before the games before I became health conscious. lol
Way too young, my father passed away in April, at the age of 69! Need to make every minute coun
Just glad that the 49ers are winning. And no scum bags or trolls talking crap, about the 49ers and their players.
49erman, It only take 1 loss, and those trolls and scums you have mention will be back to bash the team and a. smith once again. The #1 on the list is 23jordan, who waits for the right moment to talk s.hit..
http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/09/18/phil-simms-alex-smith-has-grown-into-a-man/
Man that CaptainCrunch in the comments is one hateful guy.
I think before I put Frank Gore ahead of Vernon Davis or Alex Smith, I think the team needs to face a team that has a run defense. I am not taking anything away from Frank Gore. He’s looked great. I just think that the bigger challenge has been Vernon Davis beating the secondary and blocking, and Alex Smith has outplayed everyone on the offense.
A sub topic here might be, which of the top 5 power ranked teams is going to lose first? Houston is going to be tested now in the coming weeks like SF started out. That stretch is going to give some great insight in just how good SF is.
Chris – How do you like this blog so far?
Good to have you here.
Thank you Crab! I think there are some great opinions here.
my mvp is the team
and coach harbaugh
my other mvp is the fans and the owner….
the 49er Empire is riding high again….finally
How about this list: Starters on the 49ers who are not playing extremely well right now.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Yep. All empty.
This team may be the best 22 starters and 2 kicking specialists assembled in over a decade.
Beautiful list.
and a refreshing change! It’s phun again with a capital F.!!! LOL
Grump,
There are rumors that the one of the equipment manager’s assistants gave a trainer white tape when he asked for red. Also, one of the clubhouse guys had the wrong flavor of Gatorade in Brian Jennnings locker.
So it’s not all sunshine and ponies with the 49ers.
@ Ex
Serious lapses of focus!
This may be harsh, but Bruce Miller made a terrible play last Sunday. Miller completely whiffed on a block that resulted in a tackle of Gore for a loss. Another candidate could be Delaney Walker who continues to drop passes. The good thing is these things can be fixed and I’m sure JH and company will address them. Go Niners.
Willis is Jordan and Bowman is Pippen.
Willis is Kobe and Bowman is Shaq.
Willis is Bird and Bowman is McHale.
Willis is Lowell and Bowman is Grant.
Get my drift. Willis allows Bowman to be great. I’m not too sure (yet) that it’s the other way around.
Willis would be shaq and bowman would be Kobe. Shaq was the leader.
They are both Jordan. Do you know how many teams are licking their chops right now hoping Bowman makes it to free agency?
Haggans has been suspended for 3 games leaving the team with only 2 OLB’s. Ideas on who they should bring in?
Oy Vay
@ Houston
Good tidbit about Vinny T earlier.
With Haggans back later and Vic wanting experience, maybe they don’t promote Cam Johnson yet. They could probably call Bahktiari or Alana-Francis.
Who do you cut to make room Brotha?
@ Jack
uh-Duh! Good point (he said sheepishly). I guess cut me, I’m not producing.
Your good Brotha. Regardless of if they bring up Cam or sign someone off the street they would need to cut someone.
My guess is they try to ride it out, and get Dobbs some work in case of emergency. Worst case, they go Nickle and shut teams down anyway : )
@Jack, Brotha:
Doesn’t Haggans’ suspension clear a roster spot for 3 games?
@ Claude. Nope, that increases the pain as deterrent.
@ Jack. I agree with your guesses about adjustments
@Brotha:
I don’t follow your pain/deterrent reference.
According to Matt Barrows, “Haggans’ suspension means that the 49ers have an opening on their 53-man roster.”
@ Claude
When in doubt, better take Sando’s word for it. I thought Jack had it right that we didn’t get the roster break.
Brotha, my apologies for leading you astray. The only concern with bringing up Cam is that I believe he would have to clear waivers prior to going back on the PS.
No worries, Jack. Clearly I had no clue. LOL.
Re: Cam. Yeah, I don’t think they should bring him up to send him back. I also get the sense Fangio likes experienced players to fit his systems, those who will be in the right place at the right time every time.
Kudos to Brotha. The 49ers signed Bakhtiari to fill the roster spot left open with the Haggans suspension.
Sacramento Mountainlions ink Josh Johnson to a 1 yr. contract.
JJ’ fall continues.
Watch it now – that may be the only pro team we have left around here if the Maloofs have their way, lol!
C’mon 49er girl. When the queens eh emm eexcuuuuse me the kings leave “and they will be” c’mon over to the MIghty Lakers side. You can’t lose! Lol
That’d be like becoming a Cowboy fan because the Niners are moving to Santa Clara.
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever gonna root for the Lakers.
Hey now. That’s blasphemy. The 49ers and cowboys had an actual rivalry. :-)
Just in case you forgot…One of my favorite Laker memories :-)
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://hooptherapy.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/christie_punch.gif&imgrefurl=http://hooptherapy.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/the-bros-bowl-rick-fox-v-doug-christie/&h=223&w=220&sz=138&tbnid=AV6FwsdKDTVP4M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=89&prev=/search%3Fq%3Ddoug%2Bchristie%2Bpunches%2Brick%2Bfox%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=doug+christie+punches+rick+fox&usg=__W_gyv40zIZY7ctFF1MFG012SIQE=&docid=_6-Br9xDM3WQNM&sa=X&ei=OZtbUJTWCpHb4QTYi4CQDw&ved=0CDgQ9QEwBA&dur=265
I would never ever root for the lakers either! I am very lucky to be married to a pretty and smart lady that does not care for the lakers either! She has watched many a painfully warrior game with me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYQDsZljAOY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
And mine. Lol
As we ascend to the head of the NFL, we are no longer a doormat team, the joke of the NFL is no more. The team has come into its own thru the eyes of one fearless leader, Jim Harbaugh. He has brought the team from the thros of incompetentcy to the illustrious front runner.
He has the same QB as the previous realm, Nolan and Sing, and has done what they could not do, make Alex into a bona-fide QB. Very few people thought that Alex could be turned into a good QB which Harbaugh did in the very first year. Some of us who has supported AS sought reason for failure but the disgruntled fan considered them excuses and continued their barage of complaints. Some were justified some were not.
What winning does is unify a team and its fan base. There is not any subsitution for wins. We have seen Alex grow by leaps and bounds over the last year. He now has swagger when approaching the line of scrimmage, he had a great call with a great pass to Davis and had another great call and pass on a bad snap, his ability to get rid of the ball saved 25 yards. Alex is taking the next steps needed to become a very good QB and that my friends is what we all have been looking for. Yuppers.
I think a big slice of humble pie is in order here. Let’s keep things in perspective. It’s only been two games and we’ve been very lucky to avoid the injury bug unlike most of the teams including the two we’ve played. Both games were only decided by 8 points although the Lions game wasn’t quite as close as the score suggests we still had a few tense moments at the end of the game where victory wasn’t completely assured.
I prefer to be unsure of victory and be pleasantly surprised then to expect it and be left disappointed.
Yes Coffee, but we have a stud defense and an offense that is coming together very nicely. We are playing well. We beat 2 playoff teams. Now let’s turn it up and come home 4-0. Oh yes it can be done!
Coffee
We have not had the services as, Ginn and Jacobs and Harrleson is lost for the season. The three were counted on and as of yet it hasnt happened. What we have the other teams dont have is depth and Harbaugh. You are correct in that its only been two games but its two very good wins, building upon last year. I do have expectations and not worried about dissapointments it goes with the territory. Thats just me. All is good.
You’re making it sound like I said we weren’t playing well. I never implied nor inferred that suggestion. I’m reading peoples comments here and thinking that we should play more then two games before we get too big of heads.
I agree Coffee. It’s been a great start but let them get through the first quarter and then we should have s better idea of where things shake out.
No implication Coffee, it is still early and injuries anywhere can be season challenging! However, we do have depth and guys that can and will play multiple position. We are set up for winning season and home field advantage throughout.
Coffee,
I’m inferring that you mean we shouldn’t step on our d–ks, or are you implying that if we don’t temper our enthusiasm, we might be riding for a fall and get concussions?
Coffee,
Ordinarily, I’d completely agree with you, but this team seems so complete and special, I just can’t help but see it as anything other than a juggernaut. A relentlessly unstoppable juggernaut, crushing every opponent in its path.
Jack,
I get what you’re saying too, but you’ve predicted a 14-2 record for the 49ers this year. It seems like a bit of a disconnect between your last post and your prediction.
I realize neither of you have said anything implicitly or explicitly that would lead anyone to infer that you have implied that 49ers aren’t playing well.
exgolfer,
I can understand why you might think there’s a disconnect. My take is that many fans seem to think they can just throw their jocks out and win this week.
Not yours Jack. XXSmall is ineligible in the NFL.
Thank you for your brilliant contribution to the blog Prime.
Just sayin Jack, no tiny’s allowed!
Instigate much?
Coffee
Explain the coming apocalypse if I, a fan of the team get a big head about a 2-0 start after a 14-4 season with both wins being against playoff teams. I am truly confounded how I am off-base while being excited about the Niners on a Niner blog.
If we dont do well, will you come backand say “I told you so.”? Why not get pumped up man?
Have we been pounded so for so long, we dont know to get excited?
Injuries are always a factor, and can ruin your season in a heartbeat. They’re also largely beyond your control. You just have to accept there’s not much you can do about that. We have as much depth as any team in the NFL today, IMHO, but we’re still vulnerable to a rash of bad luck. But, for now, though we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, we are the baddest muthafvcker in the Valley. That is worth some giddy celebration, after the last decade of pain. We’ll worry about next week when it comes.
DS said “Explain the coming apocalypse if I, a fan of the team get a big head about a 2-0 start after a 14-4 season with both wins being against playoff teams. I am truly confounded how I am off-base while being excited about the Niners on a Niner blog.”
Whatever kid, stop trying so hard.
coffee
So you don’t have an actual reason then. Please don’t tell me how I should not be exulted by my team. That is for each of us to decide on our own. You choose not too, fine. But don’t imply that everybody else should as well. That is all I’m saying.
PS You say”we” not “I”. Maybe you didn’t care for the difference and you really meant “I”. If so, please dismiss all my posts on this thread. “I” is just you. “We” means I should do/think as you, which is what I didn’t agree with.
DS this isn’t you at all:
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and usually beginning in early adulthood.
DS this isn’t you at all:
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and usually beginning in early adulthood. People with HPD have a high need for attention, make loud and inappropriate appearances, exaggerate their behaviors and emotions, and crave stimulation
Coffee
while you are there, please find the disorder that explains those who feel they can control others emotions. Maybe we can go together.
:- )
You have no right to tell me how to feel if I should be happy about my team or not. That was the message. If exuberance and joy is such a negative thing to express, there are probably a host of disorders that you have. One would be lack of ability to express joy. Look up that one. You may need to see a doctor about it.
To anyalyze your poor analysis:
“excessive emotionality” Yes. I will express joy and a lot of it after a decade in the dumps about the team.
“and attention-seeking…People with HPD have a high need for attention,”, – Nope. I tell others to skip my posts if they don’t like them. That I’m cool with that notion. That is the complete opposite of attention seeking by the way.
“make loud and inappropriate appearances”
I’m generally not doing anything in anyway to be loud. And I do wear clothes at all times, thanks for asking me.
“and crave stimulation” Most do. You don’t get better if you don’t crave it. Have a problem with that, then you have a problem with JH’s motto. Get better each day. If you don’t crave it, you won’t.
I don’t think doctors judge anybody until they see them face to face and interact with them. At least, none that I would want.
So, are you done now? Any football in you?
How do you feel about the list I made? How do you organize the 10 players and who?
Maybe if you all hadn’t been chugging so much kool-aid you could have enjoyed some of that humble pie I suggested. It’s gonna be a long game for those that didn’t see this coming.
Maybe if you had tried some of that humble pie I suggested this defeat wouldn’t be so bitter for some of ya.
Who you all picking in the NYG vs CAR game?
I know I’m late for the pool bro. I just want to get in for the sake of participation. In addition to wanting to catch crabs and ninermd!
Jordan,
League group id# 64737
Password: cohnblog
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/pickem
Carolina
Carolina is at home. I think both teams are good but flawed. Cam’s athleticism might negate some of the Giants’ awesome pass rush. I tend to lean toward Carolina. 31-28? both teams have 400 and close to 500 yards passing?
But the giants are a better road team than home team. This one is a toughy.
Giants. Carolina’s run game is nonexistent and they don’t have anybody that can cover Nicks or Cruz.
Giants are banged up. Look for Carolina to win this one.
1. Justin Smith
2a. Alex Smith
2b. Offensive line
4a. Frank Gore
4b. Vernon Davis
4c. Michael Crabtree
7a. Aldon Smith
7b. Navorro Bowman
9. Patrick Willis
10a. Carlos Rogers
10b. Ahmad Brooks
10c. Dashon Goldson
The difference between 1 and 7 is so marginal that you could put any of those guys at the top. I still think Justin Smith is the best player on this team though. And yes, listing the entire offensive line is kind of cheating, but who cares. It’s only 2 games in. I think the player that has surprised/impressed me the most so far is Crabtree.
for those who’d like a little dose of respect for the Niners:
http://sfo.scout.com/2/1222936.html
“He’s been playing with leads, so he hasn’t had to put the team on his back and make a lot of difficult passes in obvious passing situations.”
Grant you & your Dad both persist in this thought…The New Orleans playoff win was only 4 games ago…did you guys miss it???
I was at the San Fran and Detroit game on Sunday and sat 7 rows up behind the niners bench. When Davis scored his 2nd TD in the 4th quarter, I watched Moss walk back to the bench while everyone else was celebrating and he threw his helmet to the ground as hard as he could in disgust. It is obvious he is already disgruntled and I can’t find any mention of this in any columns or blogs. Has anyone seen anything written about this?
That’s the shadow over Randy. I hope he doesn’t let it fester in him. IMO his best bet is to sit with Roman or Harbs and express himself privately. They’ll do what they’re going to do, but I think that’s the only way Randy should handle it. What choice does he have? In the 1st place, what did he think when he signed? Peyton figured out that Jim plays JimBall, not PeytonBall. If Randy goes negative what other options would he have?
RM isn’t talking to reporters, so nobody here will really know.
I think RM is talking with JH though if he is upset. We’ll never know. So, it is futile to try to speculate further.
Keep in mind that just because you see two things and interpret them as you did does not necessarily mean you are right. Maybe RM had another reason to throw his helmet down that we are all unaware of.
Razoreater,
Did you happen to see Crabtree’s body language as well. You can see Crabtree on T.V. He wasnt too happy
Himself in MY opinion. Those 2 have become close and I said the other day that they should be targeted in the red zone or it could get ugly. It’s apparent that because Alex is a safe player and feels comfortable with Vernon, Vernon gets targeted. If Moss does not get Smiths attention somehow, he won’t get many TD attempts thrown his way. Smith has to look at other guys of they are open. I’ve mentioneded this in the past for almost 2 years but guys can’t look past their love for him to see his flaws. This is a glaring one. Moss may not be long for this team. Trouble is, we need him. He’s opening up a lot of things in this offense.
>>I’ve mentioneded this in the past for almost 2 years but guys can’t look past their love for him to see his flaws
Yeah, the huge flaw of finding an open receiver for a TD.
This is RM’s last stop. If he blows up here, he’s going to find himself in TO and Ochocinco-land. I hope he realizes that. And if your millisecond view of MC does turn out to be correct, that guy is shooting himself in the foot. Given his medical history, those feet can’t take any more abuse.
@ribico:
Yeah, the huge flaw of finding an open receiver for a TD.
+1
If AS sees an open guy on the end zone, he needs to sling it no matter who it is. His job isn’t to worry about butthurt WR divas.
Negative Nancy strikes again!
Jordan,
Moss is nearing the finish line and he knows it. He plays about 15-20 plays a game and is not going to be a huge factor. I’m sure he knew this going in and is fine with it because the team is winning and he got a chance to come back for one last kick at the can.
As far as Crabtree goes, I have no doubt he wants to score TD’s but the main thing for him is being involved and getting opportunities which he is. He’s the leading receiver so far and got a game ball from Harbaugh for converting all those 3rd downs. He’s getting positive reinforcement regularly so I don’t see him being a problem.
Smith has to go where the read takes him. He can’t force something to somebody to keep them happy. That isn’t winning football. Ultimately each player on this team want’s to win a Championship and as long as they are winning the players can live with whoever is helping them do that.
I have been anti Smith for a long time, I can see when I was wrong, this is a much better AS than last year, he is just getting warmed up, MC has the been go to guy for big plays this year along with VD. MC will be scoring touch downs this year, I have no doubt about it.
Welcome aboard the bandwagon Neal.
Thanks Jack,
Their is a big Niner fan in my office, this was very difficult to say to him, and it is difficult to say it now, but AS right now, is a top 10 QB,maybe a top 5. I am not joining the AS fan club, not going to drink the Kool Aid, not going to buy a 11 Jersey, not going to have posters on my bedroom ceiling, not going to want to marry him like the Smithers, but I do respect AS now and he has shown with great coaching he can be way more than a game manager. The end.
ribico
I think it was C15 who yesterday posted a link that we have no divas.
@ Neal:
I am sure that wasn’t easy, and I want to recognize and commend you for it.
DS, I agree. Although it was really a dig at AS for not finding them for scores, J23 is sure trying to make them sound like they are. Personally, I think it’s preposterous.
Neal,
Don’t worry. It get’s better.
Thank You Mr. Balls,
It was very difficult but I am a Niner fan first and just want to win more Super Bowls. Also way too much negative energy in bashing AS, we are winning and we are damn good. Time to move on and root for the team, this is a great time to be a Niner fan and we should enjoy the season.
Neal,
Good for you. I can tell you without a doubt you’ll enjoy this season a lot more cheering for him rather than looking for things to rip him for. This team is a serious SB contender and this season is shaping up to be pretty special.
@ribico
Try to change your perspective on it then. Sort of like the comments coming from that side about how JH saved AS career is some sort of insult to AS.
Well, look at as a compliment to both JH and AS. JH for having the intuition to not just kick AS to the curb as is so often the case when a HC takes over a bad team. And for AS to give it another go at the place that chanted “Carr!” after AS threw a pass into the dirt that had it been completed, FG is killed and the Niners lose 5 yards.
And for this example, you hit it right on the head. AS threw to the open guy for a TD. Anybody complain for reals about that, they shouldn’t play and they shouldn’t be a fan of that team.
@Jack, Neal, rocket:
There’s too much love in the room. Somebody needs to get kicked in the shins. Any volunteers?
*elbows my way for a better seat on the bandwagon*
I also say good for you, Neal.
You should know, even though some here consider me a “Smither”, I hate the taste of Koolaid, My only 49ers Jersey is #81, I do not have a Smith poster, I understand he is already married. But is there really a Smith Fan Club? Do you have an address?
Thanks Rocket and Jack,
Maybe this will be the year, I am sick of the Giants winning, as my brother is a big Giant fan, want to put him in his place. Also no damn hockey, what the hell am I go to do, during the week, watch the freaking Kardashians.
@ ribico:
Why do you have a Garrett Celek jersey? What has that guy ever done?
I volunteer Rocket.
Claude Balls,
“There’s too much love in the room. Somebody needs to get kicked in the shins. Any volunteers? ”
That is pretty funny, would love to kick Schwartz in the nuts.
Rib, I don’t know AS address, although I know he lives in Los Gatos. and their appears to be a waiting list to join his club.
I’ll take one for the team Claude. The least I can do with all the turning over of leaves going on in here.
Celek? I’ll need to duct tape over that Owens name now. From now on I’m only buying retired number jerseys.
RM didn’t/doesn’t have a lot of options at this point. It’s best for him to take his snaps and when targeted, do his thing. I didn’t see those things you point out Razor, but if anyone can handle it, it’s JH.
Thinking from a WRs perspective, you’d rather have a pass 1st offense. Sometimes winning isn’t enough.
If guys are gonna pout when we are wining and if their concern is their numbers then we dont need those kinda guys. I dont see Crabtree as that kind of man or player. He will get his touches cause he is versatile, works hard and is producing. Maybe not TD’s, but certainly everywhere else.
Moss understands his limitations at age 35. If he wants TD’s, he will get them, just needs to keep working. He should also not fall to the ground on the slant routes, what was up with tha? I think twice now he fell to the ground to avoid a hit. Not sure I like that.
23 welcher, stop with the negative crap, its boring now.
Your right FDM, Crabtree is producing and becomin a leader so I don’t see him becoming a cancer. Alex and him are developing some very good chemistry and the touchdowns will come.
As for Moss, he knows that crying when we are winning is his ticket into permanent retirement.
+1FDM
Does this blog have DVR to find negative things?
Stop with the negative (not just 23J) guys. There are a lot of + things. Focus on those every once in awhile.
FDM, ribico, Claude,
Fdm, responded to your question yesterday out of respect but I see that we can’t exchange in a respectful fashion so to hell with you punks. You don’t like what I post, ignore it. Plain as that. Cuz I’m never going to stop posting my opinions daily. I hope it bothers you a lot. More to come so stay tuned!
Your right 23welcher, my apologies, you did answer my question yesterday so again, my apologies.
Your answer however still suggests a negative connotation and overall ignorance when it comes to the game and to Harbaugh, Smith and the rest of the offense in that you think any QB could come in a run this offense? That is a total slap to the face to the coaching staff and players where it indicates that it is so basic, anyone could do it.
This is the NFL 23, those designed runs against 8-9 man boxes are being exceutued to a “T”. Have you seen our offensive line make solid blocks at the line of scrimmage and then taking those blocks to the next level against LB’s and safeties? It is execution at its finest and that comes from hard work and great coaching, not easy things to do.
Secondly Smith has been an expert in running the offense. Everything from making the right calls at the line of scrimmage, audibling out of certain runs to different runs and from runs to passess, getting isolation and one on one macthups down field. There is really no other word to decribe Alex than expert in the offense. That takes being in a system for consecutive years, studying late in the night as Harbaugh suggested Alex has been doing and for all the playmakers on the offense to get in sync and be on the same page. I dont think you just pluck a Kevin Kolb, Hasselback, or Ponder in this offense and they could do it. An NFL offense is very complex and takes players a lot of time and hardwork to get on the same page, execute it and win in it. 4 TD passes and 2 ruishing in two games, is pretty darn good.
My last point is, if you think that any QB could come in and do it, then you say “JH got the next best thing to Manning when Manning turned us down”. Is that a contradiction or what? Like I said, if anyone could do it, why didnt the Niners go with a cheaper option in Kap or JJ or Tolzien? It would have saved the organization 8 million dollars. Can you explain that comment?
Lastly, your right about Harbaugh saving Smith’s career and making him into a winner. I dont see that as anything other than a positive. You could say the same thing about Phil Jackson when he went to the Lakers with Shaq and Kobe. You could also say that about Phil and the Bulls/Jordan. Some coaches elevate players, thats their job and thats why the 49ers brought in Jim H. They knew they had a good commodity and that he could turn that 8 year investment into something substantial. They didnt give up, Alex never gave up, and the real 49er fans never gave up on the entire process either. You have obviously along with a lot of others and now you still dont like what your seing? Son, the 49ers are for real and so is Alex. Hate all you want but reality says otherwise.
FDM, +1 and a standing ovation, but it’s probably all for not since he will never get it!
>>“JH got the next best thing to Manning when Manning turned us down”.
Not directed to you FDM (you are quoting J23), but can someone point me to evidence that “Manning turned us down” and not the other way around? Other than fevered speculation, that is.
Cuz I’m never going to stop posting my opinions daily.
Oh joy. I’m all tingly with anticipation.
It doesn’t matter what AS does, there are some fans who just don’t like him. He is part of a winning “team” and it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have the stats, he isn’t throwing td’s to the right guys. He isn’t this and he isn’t that.
Here’s what he isn’t. He isn’t losing.
ribico
There is no evidence at all that suggests JH/TB were lying. No contract terms were every offered by the Niners. If there were, then not a single one of the local guys got wind of it. And I can’t believe our reporters couldn’t do that.
It is much more likely that PM used the Niners visit to make Denver pay a lot more for his services than it ever was that we were a serious contender.
I personally think your right DS about Manning using the Niners as leverage, but in reality, no one will ever know that except Manning.
Regardless, the team is winning, the foundation for success has been set for Smith, he is taking advantage of it and anything 23 welcher now brings to the table as an arguement against Smith, past or present is a complete waste of time debating. There is nothing left to say other than lets see how the season plays out.
The 49ers seem to be made of iron. Shutting down run games with only a six man front? How does a team play against that? The Niners only significant vulnerability is lack of depth at OLB.
Some observations:
- I was more impressed with Aldon’s run support setting the edge then his pass rushing. (that’s a compliment)
- Vernon Davis is one of the best blocking TEs in the league. Combine that with his scoring and he has to be one of the biggest offensive threats in football.
- The 49ers are not as dominant on special teams compared to last year. Hope they shore that up. I feel much better with Ginn returning kicks-punts.
- Receivers running blatantly illegal pick patterns now seems to be quasi allowed under the scab refs. Should the Niners implement them? Should Fang also game plan for them on the defense?
Brodie says, “Receivers running blatantly illegal pick patterns now seems to be quasi allowed under the scab refs. Should the Niners implement them?”
They already have. Go back and watch the Green Bay game and you will see Delanie with a couple great blocks, er picks.
Someone needs to get kicked in the shins..
New NFL power rankings… I like this list.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000063632/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-nfc-west-no-longer-league-joke
I think they rated the Bears, Lions and Jets too high and didn’t rank the Cardinals high enough…. IMO.
Yeah, no way they should have the Jets ranked above the Cards.
Wow, I agree with bay on something.
Is that a good omen for this weekend’s game?
Claude…. Probably not. You two stop that this instant. Keep rolling with what was working. :-)
Hate you Claude : )
@bay:
Hate you Claude : )
Do you have any factual support for that position? I thought not.
Since it’s for the good of the team, right back at you.
There ya go guys! LOL
Wow – who knew that hell would freeze over during lunch time, lol!
Love the comaraderie!
A week late but still worth 5 minutes of your time! Gave me goosebumps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pmJAzcmojs
Huh! MVP?
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/75148/mike-sandos-mvp-watch-55
After 2 weeks. I’d be saying this if smith wasn’t on that list. It’s a joke!
Although he keeps it up and he will be I’m the running and that will defiantly cement my bet and paid Super Bowl party. Wheeeew!
Damn!!! Auto spell. Definitely* and *in*
I think defiantly is good fit too!
Josh Morgan death threats.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8398834/washington-redskins-joshua-morgan-gets-death-threats-twitter
People need to find more meaning in their lives if they are ok with that.
The problem with Twitter is it gives every idiot a voice. Before you just speculated on how stupid a percentage of the population was; now you are given evidence every day.
Case in point: Jermichael Finley’s agent is talking trash about Aaron Rodgers’ leadership on Twitter. Why?
The problem with Twitter is it gives every idiot a voice.
23jordan’s on Twitter?
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Rocket,
What do you expect, you can’t spell “Twitter”, without “twit”.
Twits who Tweet – America’s idiots speak their minds.
According to Pro Football Focus, Vernon Davis, Joe Staley, and Patrick Willis graded out as the best at their respective positions in week 2:
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/09/18/team-of-the-week-week-2/
Good article, even though I hurled at their QB choice.
I didn’t notice it, but PFF says that Ahmad Brooks had “issues” defending the run against Detroit:
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/09/18/had-a-bad-day-team-week-2/
Is that how the defense gave up 200 yards on the ground? Oh, wait, they didn’t. Not 100 either.hmmmmmm
I could be wrong here but I believe he was part of the blown tackles on the screen that netted 27+ yards.
I’m all for crowning SF the 2012 champs week 2. Problem with that is, there are still 14 weeks in the regular season. When I look at who SF has beat in 2012, I am not impressed. I don’t think they are leagues above everyone else in the NFL.
They beat Detroit. Detroit eeked out a win at home against St Louis. St Louis! The team that won what 2 games last season and were ranked the worst team in the NFL by football outsiders. St. Louis eeked out a win because Josh Morgan blew up taking Washington out of field goal range. Nothing impressive about any of these teams.
Then, there’s Greenbay. What has Greenbay done in 2012, let’s see they beat the Chicago Bears. The Bears mustard a win at home against a rookie QB (Luck) who had a very bad day. Then, they imploded against GB. Can’t rank the Bears as any good.
So, what I see is a team that is beating very bad teams. I haven’t seen this team challenged yet and I haven’t seen them win by 40 when they should have. I think the 49ers are a great team, but I don’t think they are leagues above everyone else. I think SF is much like GB of 2011. Their opponents aren’t that great thus far.
Chris,
You are overthinking it. It’s the NFL. Any team is capable of winning on any given Sunday. Parity reigns supreme. You rarely see big blowouts anymore. Beating GB at Lambeau is a big time win, and that is a very good team they beat. It’s about wins not style points. The Niners win hard fought games that are typically close in scoring because that is what works for them. We saw last year that when it isn’t working they can play a more free wheeling style to catch up as well.
I agree that thinking a SB is a foregone conclusion this early is jumping the gun big time, but I also don’t want to see anybody downplaying what they are doing right now either. This is a very very good team that will just continue to improve as long as they can stay healthy. They compete at a high level in all 3 phases and there aren’t many other teams that can say that.
That’s a fair assessment. On another note, I am trying to think like Harbaugh here. Where can the 49ers improve?
I believe the answer to that is: coaching. Granted, they have one of the best coaching staffs in the league. Yet, 2nd half adjustments for 19 games now have been almost nonexistant.
The other area I think they can improve on is Special Teams. I don’t see the benefit to running the ball out from 4 yards deep in the endzone to fumble on the 19. The other time Hunter made it to the 14. The kick coverage for SF both receiving and kicking is an area of weakness.
Any other areas I’m missing? Please don’t mistake this as anything negative about SF. They are a great team and I am stoked they’re so freaking AWESOME. I’d like to be able to identify their growth as the season goes on.
>>I don’t see the benefit to running the ball out from 4 yards deep in the endzone to fumble on the 19. The other time Hunter made it to the 14.
Chris, I wonder about that as well. It seems like every team’s KR has the green light run it out from 8 yards back. The thinking is that they are hopeful he breaks one rather than get stuffed at the 14. The stats still favor a return, last year (the first with KO from the 35) the avg starting field position after kickoff was the 22.1
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/35597/kickoff-rule-change-has-big-effect-on-nfl
And no one plans for a SP turnover, but those things happen.
We’ll have to see what happens on Ginn’s return.
Chris,
Here are 3 areas for improvement:
1) Pass catching – there have been too many drops, including 3 plays in a row Sunday night.
2) Pass rush – they have totaled 5 sacks through 2 games, however the pass rush has been inconsistent. Part of this may be a function of the opposing QB’s being able to get the ball out early.
3) Special Teams Coverage units – A punt return for TD, albeit with 2 clips that the officials missed, and a 40 yard kickoff return. Need to shore that up starting this week in Minnesota against Percy Harvin.
Chris,
No doubt they have areas to improve. The ones you mentioned along with Jacks suggestions need to be addressed. The great thing is, the team isn’t playing at full throttle and are still winning. The sign of a very good team.
I hear you on Coaching and my area would be in playcalling. I think Roman gets a little too cute at times thinking they can just line up and do what they want, and that is leading to missed opportunities. I’d really like to see him more aggressive with a lead instead of going full turtle in the 4th quarter.
@rocket:
Personally, I am not unhappy that the team has areas in which it needs to improve. I’d rather the 49ers not peak in week 2 or 3.
Chris
GB beat NO in week 1 of last year. In week 2 they beat the Panthers.
NO had been to the playoffs, the Panthers had not been. By the end of the year, NO went to the playoffs, and the Panthers didn’t.
We beat 2 playoff teams from last year. Who else in the NFL can say the same thing after 2 weeks? Seriously. If there are fewer than 5, then that does say something. Beating playoff teams is hard. That is why they made the playoffs.
Indy was a playoff team one year and then lost every game the following year. Playoffs year before means nothing now. Here are some examples:
Atlanta Falcons 1998 14-2 / 1999 5-11
New York Giants 2000 12-4 / 2001 7-9
St Louis Ram 2001 14-2 / 2002 7-9
Oakland Raiders 2002 11-5 / 2003 4-12
Carolina Panthers 2003 11-5 / 2004 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles 2004 13-3 / 2005 6-10
Chicago Bears 2006 13-3 / 2007 7-9
You see playoffs last year means nothing this year. You can’t compare the two years because by this example, you’d expect to see GB go 7-9 and you’d expect to see NO go 2-14
Chris
Nice list. Now to examine it a little closer:
The most recent one is in 2006. That was 6 years ago.
But I’ll go along with you. Take the most recent example, the Colts of 2010 made the playoffs, lost PM and didn’t make it in 2011.
The Colts in 2010 made the playoffs in large part because the collapse of Houston. The last few years in fact, the Texans just sucked at the end. If not, PM Colts are not in the playoffs to take their annual 1 and done playoff game.
In 2010, the Colts lost 4 straight games. PM is getting older and face it. The NFL has figured out a lot of his tricks, and he’s slower, they are faster. The Colts made PM the OC as well as QB. So when he got hurt, they lost their OC. The HC more or less said so as well. He couldn’t help that kid who played last year. Only PM knew it.
Opposed to the Pack this year. They are off a 15-1 season. AR is not near the end of his career.
Now, I think the Lions are the most likely to collapse. They aren’t stable at all. Neither their HC/QB are. The Packers are stable with their HC/QB situation. As we are seeing, stability is key. If not, then why are the Saints 0-2 against two teams who finished last year below 0.500?
Point is, everybody thought the Pack and AR would burn us, and AS couldn’t keep up. They were wrong on both accounts. They thought the same basic thing last week. And they were wrong. How many “and they were wrongs” do you need until you give the Niners that edge? We were the most complete team last year. We are better this year.
If it is silly to declare us in the Super Bowl, then tell Vegas, and the stats guys who used FACTS to determine that we wouldn’t even win 9 games. Seems likely we will. Are you calling them silly?
Chris,
Being able to name seven teams over thirteen years that made the playoffs one year, and collapsed the next, is hardly proof that making the playoffs one year is meaningless in the following season. It seems more like the teams you lised are the exceptions that prove the rule.
Are there other teams that made the playoffs one year and collapsed the next that you didn’t list?
What would you wish for the 49ers? A schedule loaded up with playoff teams from last year or teams that missed the playoffs?
2011 playoff teams:
NFC:
Packers
49ers
Saints
Giants
Lions
Falcons
AFC:
Patriots
Ravens
Texans
Broncos
Steelers
Bengals
Which of those teams are cupcakes?
Should’ve been over fourteen years, not thirteen.
ex
The Colts in 2010 made the playoffs. PM got hurt last year (2011) and failed to make the playoffs.
Acutally Ex, those were just superbowl losers. The list of teams who actually make the playoff appearance the next year is much smaller than teams that implode after making the playoffs the year before. I listed 7 superbowl losers. The number of teams who tank it the next year is almost 4 times that size over the last 13 seasons.
Chris
It has been well established that it is not uncommon at all for the Super Bowl losers to not make the playoffs the next year.
There are lots of articles/shows that have discussed this. It is quite interesting and the reasons are a few more than a few.
Ex, of your list, with 2 games in, only three teams are 2-0. 49ers, Houston, and Atlanta. One is 0-2 and the rest are all 1-1. I’d say that schedule is easier than the teams that didn’t make last year’s playoffs.
Teams that didn’t make the playoffs are 18-12 while the teams that made the playoffs are 14-10.
That’s 2012 stats. 14-10. I guess playoffs doesn’t mean much week 2.
Chris,
Irrespective of those team’s records after two weeks, which one would you classify as an easy matchup?
Also, you didn’t answer my question about whether you would want the 49ers to play a schedule against teams that did, or didn’t make the playoffs the year before. Will you answer that question, please?
IMO, none of those teams would represent an easy win this year.
4×7=28 and 14×12=168. From that we have
(28/168)x100=16.67%
From the numbers you supplied, 16.67% of playoff teams go into the tank the year after making the playoffs. That hardly proves that a team being in the playoffs the year before is meaningless.
Ex I apologize. I thought I did answer your question. I’d rather the 49ers play a schedule against playoff teams, because when you take off the three 2-0 starts you end up with a record of 8-10 compared to 18-12. I don’t want to see my team beat up with injuries in a physical match up.
I believe NY Giants, New Orlean Saints, New England Patriots, Cincinatti Bengals, Denver Broncos, and the Detriot Lions are all easy matchups.
NE doesn’t respond well to a physical game. The Giants are injured right now and should be an easy win. Cincy is searching for its identity. I like Andy Dalton, but I think our coaching staff could easily confuse him. Denver, well Monday night ATL showed how to beat P Manning. Finally, the game I watched on Sunday, Detroit wasn’t much of a match for SF.
So I think the only matchup difficulties for SF would be a “real” physical team. Det is not one of those teams. Baltimore is. Pitt is. Houston is. Those would be tough match ups.
I hit enter a little soon. I did want to add that I appreciate your insight though Ex. I think it offers some fantastic statistical insight. It’s easy to think that playoff teams don’t fair well the following season, but 16% puts that into perspective. Thank you, part of what makes this site to great is the wealth of information brought to the conversation.
Chris,
Which schedule would you rather the 49ers play:
Packers, Lions, Giants, Falcons, Saints, Ravens, Patriots, Broncos, Texans, Bengals, and Steelers
Or: Dolphins, Browns, Rams, Redskins, Raiders, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Bills and Chiefs?
Chris
All we faced were physical teams last year. We went 13-3 against them despite the odds being stacked against us.
We have our own division to keep us in tip top shape to get ready for any physical teams we play in the playoffs.
Trust me man. We’re in good shape.
:- )
Chris,
Which schedule would you rather the 49ers play:
Packers, Lions, Giants, Falcons, Saints, Ravens, Patriots, Broncos, Texans, Bengals, and Steelers
Or: Dolphins, Browns, Rams, Redskins, Raiders, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Bills, Vikings, and Chiefs?
Chris
Which team has beaten 2 teams that are in your eyes worthy of mention?
DS,
I don’t think you can crown anyone week 2 or say they are leagues ahead of the rest of the league. I believe the Bills last year started out on a similar path. They beat NE week 2. They amassed a 5-2 record poised to make the playoffs then went on to lose 8 of the last 9 games.
Chris
If I or anybody gets on your case about you declaring we will win the Super Bowl after 2 games, and how wrong you were, you have every right to throw a cussing storm my/their way.
Nobody is going to give you a hard time about that. If they do, they aren’t fans. At least Niner fans.
A shout out to the 49er safeties by Matt Bowen
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/49ers-top-safety-combo-nfl-093605521–nfl.html
From Rich Gannon:
“CBS’ Rich Gannon on Smith: “He’s finally getting coached. He’s finally in a system that makes sense to him. He’s got someone around him that believes in him. Do you know how important that is? A quarterback coach, an offensive coordinator that says, ‘You’re my guy. I’m not taking you out of the game.’ He has that in Jim Harbaugh.”
All those who doubted that the coach wasn’t the most important factor in AS’s career of failing please raise your hand.
From SFGATE
John Madden talking about the Niners/JH coaching:
Madden is struck by Harbaugh’s unwavering conviction – how deeply he believes in what he’s doing. That commitment propelled the 49ers through the tumult of last year’s labor dispute, just as it fueled their wins over Green Bay and Detroit to launch this season.
Best rookie coach ever?
“I thought the job Jim and his staff did last year was not only the best job in the league, but maybe the best ever in the NFL,” Madden said. “He had no offseason, no minicamps, no free agency. Then to get that close to the Super Bowl – that was one of the outstanding coaching jobs in NFL history.”
One year later, confronting a more challenging schedule, logic suggested Harbaugh might float back to earth. Then the 49ers opened 2012 by conquering Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, two of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
Madden likened Harbaugh’s style – start with defense, run the ball on offense, mix it up as needed, avoid turnovers above all else – to the way his brother, John, presides over the Ravens. If 49ers fans are waiting for their team to spread its wings on offense, they might want to get comfortable.
“If they play their football – good defense, get a field goal here and touchdown there – then they don’t have to spread their wings,” Madden said. “Their definition of spreading their wings might be different than other teams’. To the Saints and Patriots, it means an empty backfield and spread the field with five receivers.
“Jim Harbaugh’s team will never do that. For the 49ers, it might be play-action on first down. It’s not going to be throwing 60 passes.”
Thank you nice article to read.
1. Smith
2. Smith
3. Smith
4. Bowman
5. Willis
6. Davis
7. Gore
8. Akers
9. Goldson
10. Rogers
Top three were easy, lol!
Worst list ever. Lol
It was a little tongue-in-cheek :-).
My vote is for Harbaugh at #1.