SANTA CLARA — Here’s what Vic Fangio said about Justin Smith in particular and the 49ers pass rush in general at the Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
How has DT Justin Smith been playing this year? And how do you expect the Giants to counter him?
“He’s been playing the same that he always has at a very, very high level, Pro Bowl level. He’s one of the top interior defensive linemen in the league. And I think they’ll just run their offense. They occasionally will change a protection or two to account for him. Maybe make sure the center’s going his way a little bit more than usual. But again, I think they view us the same, as we’ve got balance up there. So, they can’t try and stop one guy totally.”
This is probably low-hanging fruit, but Justin Smith hasn’t had a sack. People who look at that and say, ‘what’s wrong with him?’ What would you say?
“There’s nothing wrong. There’s nothing wrong with him. He’s still applying good pressure. Teams have thrown the ball quickly on us at times. I haven’t felt during any of the games like, ‘damn, where’s our pass rush?’ And until I feel that then we don’t have a problem. Sacks are good. It’s a number that fans and you guys can sink your teeth into, but it’s not the only thing. Pressure is critical, causing incompletions, altering throws. On the interception that [CB Chris] Culliver got last week against Buffalo, that was a direct result of a really good rush by [LB] Ahmad Brooks. He doesn’t get credited for a sack for that. I like the interception better than the sack. So, the sack is a stat that people like to talk about. But, that’s not the only indicator of whether you’re rushing the passer good or not.”
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Winning > Stats
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Fangio nailed it (of course) . Opposing teams are now going more with three step drops. Hence the lower sack stats. Pressure has been good. Maybe a few more bat-downs are in order.
Some edge pass rushers (like Fred Dean) have the quick explosion off the snap. Aldon has impressive explosion, but his strength looks to be closing on the QB quickly at the end of the pass rush, like a praying mantis. There will be times when the QB will have to hold onto the ball. That’s when Aldon and Justin will create havoc with sacks and stripped balls. The sacks will come. Soon.
If you don’t get in Eli’s face and beat on him, the secondary will have a long day.
only the guy, the team O-Cord starts with no problems man.
The 49ers are going to need there front 4 to come up big on Sunday.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/10/can-giants-do-this-again.html
Thanks for the link, and your work. Agree pressure will be important. I think there will have to be a few blitzes just to mix it up against Eli, but better disguise always helps. Let’s see what Vic can dial up for a D that’s got more reps together since last battle.
Thanks Brotha. I agree that they will have to dial up a few blitzes, but hopefully they can keep their secondary guys out of them. And yes, the additional reps they have together should pay dividends.
More than any other team SF can ignore stats and should. This game will be about matchups and will be Fysical. Like our chances. Need to reduce drops and penalties to reach high gear.
Good point on those penalties. Given the blowout last week, probably not too many people will remember, but there were several really BIG offensive plays that the Niners had called back, due to dumb penalties. I don’t think we’re going to have that kind of leeway this week…tighten it up, guys!
Vic…dont like him. Everytime I whisper in his ear he punches me in the face!
FPS get the heck out of our zip code! I hear Houston is a nice place these days! Hit the road..your not welcome here.
@mondo
Nah, bro, Freddie P Soft is the team conscience, reminding us to stay hungry & humble. Harbaugh dreamed up Freddie, this guy just posts criticisms to maintain focus. It’s cool.