SAN FRANCISCO — Here’s a transcript of Jim Harbaugh’s post-game press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
Is there anything you can put a finger on why this happened today?
“Thinking about that right now. We didn’t do enough. Put ourselves in a position we couldn’t come back from. More turnovers than we’re accustomed too. Plan wise, obviously it wasn’t the right one. And you try to figure out what the next one will be. But yeah, tough loss for us but we have to bounce back fast. We have a game coming up Thursday night, and no time to hang the head. Got to bounce back.”
You’ve done so well protecting the ball, passes. Did they mix something up with the coverages to get those picks?
“I think for sure one or two really great plays on their part. But, I can’t say for sure if there was a mix up, if they mixed up the coverage.”
Was QB Alex Smith affected by his sprained finger?
“I don’t think so, but don’t know for sure.”
Normally stingy against the run at home. What was the difference today?
“Well, I felt our defense was in bad situations. And was able to get off the field with just the field goal in the second half. That was a result of stopping the run in those critical situations. But, not our best game.”
You guys have given up a lot of yards in the return game. The second half it seemed the momentum really switched with that play that started the second half. What’s happening with your guys’ coverage units?
“What’s happening? We gave up the big play, no question, coming out of the half. And then things continued to get worse from there in the beginning of the second half. What’s happening with the return yardage exactly? I don’t know.”
T Joe Staley suffered a concussion in the third quarter. Do you have any update on his condition or how it happened, and what he was feeling?
“Yeah, been briefed on it. That’s all in the hands of the doctors. Exactly what he was feeling, no more information to add on that.”
K David Akers was practically automatic last year. Do you see anything different in his mechanics, or in snap or hold or anything that’s giving him trouble?
“No.”
Certainly QB Colin Kaepernick in the two previous games, very successful plays. Is there ever a fear that by putting him in too much you disrupt the flow of the offense?
“Yes.”
Do you think that could have been an issue today?
“Perhaps. The plan wasn’t the best plan. And we’ll work to make a good one this week. Wasn’t a great day for any of us.”
What’s the lesson you learn from a game like this if there is one?
“I don’t know that I have the lesson learned right at this moment. But, we’ll think through it and see if we can’t get it corrected. Then you take, the Giants played a heck of a ball game.”
The offense was rolling in the first two series. Obviously, they only came away with 3 points. Did the Giants adjust after that? Or what was the difference after that?
“Well, there was definitely times that we were moving the ball and we weren’t able to finish the drives or convert points from them. And did the Giants play a very good game? Absolutely.”
Did you speak at any time with any of their coaches about some of the stuff that was said late in the week?
“No.”
WR Randy Moss had the secondary beat for a very long pass.
“Wait, I’m sorry?”
Randy. Randy Moss. He had a 55-yard gain. Is there any reason why you didn’t give them more of a dose of that? Or is it not part of the plan? I’m not sure.
“Yeah, as you can see, it was in the there. It was in the plan.”
I’m wondering why we don’t see that more. Is there a reason?
“I can’t give you the reason. The why didn’t you throw it deep? Why didn’t you run it? Why didn’t you do this? Why didn’t you do that? Don’t have all those answers for you right now. The ‘should’ve, would’ve,’ is undefeated. Go back and say, ‘why didn’t you?’ ‘Should have done that.’ That’s an undefeated way of looking at things. So, we’ll see if we can’t bounce back real fast and get ready for this ball game Thursday night.”
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Plan? It didnt really seem like the offense had a plan. Those stupid “trick” plays will work vs garbage D, but not good ones. Was it a plan to throw deep to Moss once the game was over too? This game is going to have me pissed till Thursday.
“Plan wise, obviously it wasn’t the right one.”
Obviously.
5 – 2
The important games start Thursday night.
Yep,
I think as bad as the 49ers played & as bad as the Game Plan was from the Coaching Staff they have no choice but to get ready for their 1st Divisional Game of the Season. This game on Thursday is bigger than the Giants game.
One thing about a loss like yesterday you can erase that bad taste with a Divisional Victory & be exactly where you want to be 5-2 coming up the Half Way Point of the Season.
“This game on Thursday is bigger than the Giants game.”
That’s not what you guys were saying last week. Face it – you got smoked by a very good team.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/14/fan-stabbed-on-his-way-in-to-candlestick-park-for-49ers-game/
WTF!!!
I read that too wth is happening out there.
time to move to santa clara
This team is too inconsistent right now. Everybody needs to execute better, including the coaches.
I almost thought Harbaugh was going to say he had to look at the film. That would have rubbed salt in the wound.
Vernon Davis said it. Made me throw up in my mouth a little.
i as well
“Certainly QB Colin Kaepernick in the two previous games, very successful plays. Is there ever a fear that by putting him in too much you disrupt the flow of the offense?
“Yes.”
Well, that puts an end to any speculation by any of us that JH didn’t see it like we all did. Now, lets get back to how a Pro NFL offense is ran. Alex is the starter. Use him. Put CK in but not at the expense of Alex Smith no more than a few less than a handful of plays if that from now on.
I agree here. You have to go all in with your starting QB. In the NFL a trick play maybe works once every 4 weeks. When you hang your success on trick plays every game, discipline defenses are going to make you pay.
Run run run isn’t a pretty game plan or fun to watch but it appears all SF really has to offer. I don’t blame Alex Smith nearly as much for this loss. I just can’t fathom pulling him after a 55 yard completion for Kaepernick. You just deflate all the momentum.
“Do you think that could have been an issue today?
“Perhaps. The plan wasn’t the best plan. And we’ll work to make a good one this week. Wasn’t a great day for any of us.”
Looks like some here owe some such as myself an apology. I won’t get it because you aren’t of a high enough character to admit it. But JH said it wasn’t great for any of us. He got that right. Fans included.
Problem was they put it in Alex’s hands and took it out of Gore’s… Not a good formula for winning considering Smith’s obvious limitations and proven fact that we’re almost impossible to beat when Gore runs for 100+ yards a game… No wonder Kaep got considerable playing time… Smith sucked today in a major way.
Tough for a team to travel cross-country and play the kind of game the Giants played today. Sometimes you just have tip your hat in respect to the World Champions! Go Big Blue!
They are the champions for a reason. Kudos for their win. But if we see the Giants in the playoffs, it’ll be a different outcome in our favor.
hope the 9ers can beat the seahawks…..we really need this win
Yeah! All of a sudden I dont have much confidence in the coaching staff! A couple years ago, when we were 0-5, I sure don’t remember us ever quitting!
@Bob, I have to completely disagree with you, they absolutely did not put this game in Alex’s hands, they put Kap in on 2nd an 3rd downs right from the beginning 2 Series. That is goin to throw any QB and offense out of rythm, not saying that Alex didn’t play a horrible game, because he did. But no way do you start jerking around your QB like that early in the game when the Offense is driving, it just doesn’t make sense and JH knows that, that’s exactly what he said. Alex had a career week last week, albeit against a crappy team, but if we stick to our 49er style of football even goin back to last year Alex has proven he can execute, but this wild QB rotation is for Pre-season and College, this here is the NFL! Go Niners, beat the Sea Chickens!! Hey Seattle, this birds for you!! ..|.,
I totally agree. Alex was never really able to get into a good groove with Kaep coming in at very inopportune times. Just a very bad gameplan today by Roman/Harbaugh. Shades of the Vikings game as well when the run was abandoned so quickly. I realize they had a deficit to overcome, but it was still not wise to abandon the running game since that is our bread and butter.
Look now, the Niners were in a position to take control of the game early on and botched it. Thats poor coaching. You don’t blitz at all till you are in the red zone or down by three scores. Thats poor coaching. You dont play your best receiver or very little all year. Thats poor coaching. You don’t activate an impact player with a grudge to settle in a key game. Thats poor coaching. You consistently make blunders on special teams. Thats poor coaching. You ignore your lack of depth on the offensive line. Thats arrogance and poor coaching. You consistently miss read defenses. Thats poor coaching. Hay! SF has alot to learn about winning and losing in the NFL and this loss comes down to poor coaching and of course no team wins in this league with a sub par QB. Alex Smith will never lead this team in anythang except taking sacks and rushing the pocket. This game was Dingle berryesque. Look familiar? What a bunch clowns. One step forward and three back. They have their hands full this week. 15 draft picks! Lets use them next time around. Oh Geesh! Arrogant fools and oh BTW. Come punch me in the mouth Jimmy. See how tough you really our. What a bunch clowns! Straight up keystone cops. Step up or step off!
Your an idiot! Harbaugh is a great coach! The best coaches have bad games and this was definitely one of his but don’t be forgetting where the niners were! Harbaugh absolutely does a great job with this team! Best anyone can do with Alex smith as qb! Now are they the team to win the Super Bowl? Prob not, but be happy to have a winning team on the field, and not be like the Cleveland browns every year!
Son, watch the game film. SF was thoroughly exposed. They exposed their lack of depth at many positions. This team stock piled draft [icks and the top two picks this year dont even suit up. Are you telling me they couldn’t use some help at slot corner or back up nose tack. I am not going to even mention the back up offensive tackle spot. Lmao. I like Harbaugh but at times you need to mange your coordinators and assistants better, atleast better than Sundays performance. Now I like the coaching staff and as SF fan you should be happy they were exposed early in the season. If you watched the game film you might see what happens when Manning is blitzed. You just don’t wait till your down to blitz. This team has bug play capability. Put your stars in a position to make plays. Rushing four against five or six clearly and I say it again clearly wasnt working. Are you saying thats the players fault. I think not.
Now assuming you are young when start name calling others. Check your facts son. The good Coach Akeem Smoke on this
“I don’t think so, but don’t know for sure.”
“I can’t give you the reason. The why didn’t you throw it deep? Why didn’t you run it? Why didn’t you do this? Why didn’t you do that?”
Wow…welcome back Mike Singletary…
“welcome back Mike Singletary…” Not by a long shot, DC. Granted, the offensive output yesterday was reminiscent of, and worthy of Singletary, but there’s a BIG difference between “I need to look at the tape to even have a clue as to what went on” and “We need to do an in depth, objective review of our performance to identify problems and solve them based on what happened, not on what our subjective feelings/thoughts might be right now.”
If you’re feeling like me right now, DC, you’re a little stunned by yesterday’s game. Too soon to jump off the cliff, though. Hang in there, buddy. We’re the Faithful!
I’m glad that Harbaugh acknowledged what a crappy offensive gameplan they had. I’m really getting sick of the trick plays and gimmick stuff with the Wild cat. It’s fine to put that out there once in a while, but it can not and should not be a part of the team’s gameplan every week. Putting in Kaep in just about every series ruined any type of offensive rhythm the team had. It really disrupted the offense and probably contributed to some of the issues Alex had. It seemed like Alex would make a good play and the next series, Kaep would be in. I’m really wondering if all the recognition that Roman has been getting for his offensive prowess has him trying all this crazy stuff for the offense. Hopefully they stop that gimmick stuff from now on and play teams straight up. That cute stuff doesn’t work against good teams like the Giants.
Coaching coaching coaching, bad game plan. Trying to be too cute and got beat, hope we learned a lesson.
I think you hit on a key point there, Drty, when you said, “…hope we learned a lesson.” My observation is that most NFL coaches are hard-headed, stubborn sons of guns…maybe that’s necessary to just get to that position. But that mindset is not very conducive to “learning lessons”. Remember a couple of years ago when Coughlin was facing a mutiny from his players? Well, he saw the writing on the wall, and changed his tune. Pretty impressive, and pretty damn rare. It’s one of the things I have to grudgingly admire about him.
We’ve all been on board with what a great coach Harbaugh is. He’s proven it in lots of ways. Now comes another MAJOR challenge: Can he learn from mistakes? I don’t think he’s been challenged this way in his coaching career as of yet, so it’ll be interesting to see if he really IS as great a coach as we think/hope he’ll be. We should know fairly soon.
Thank you, you watched the same game I did.
Not like NY has better personel across the board.
Could you talk to Skm4music.
I think the young man has lost his mind.
This offense needs to run the ball to be successful. Alex can not carry the entire team on his shoulder and score points while the defense is pining their ears back and going after him! I did not like the plan in this game.
Also I am very concern about our special team this year! Akers has been missing very key field goals and our coverage team is allowing at least one big play every other game! Can we go and get Constanza back!!!
the difference between this team and last years team is consistency in play, turn overs and special team! GO NINERS
Dear Coach and Coodinator,
You had your fun with the Kapage and even caught the Jets off-guard with it. Now, as with the Jets and their Tebow packages, you are fooling no one with it. The exception being the Alex-hating simpletons who are fooled into believing that Kaepernick is somehow starter ready.
Time to put it away and get back to re-focusing on what makes the 49ers the dominant team they are.
Signed,
The Concerned Faithful
Hey genius,
So you know more than JH and GR?
I know as least as much as the haters who hate the fact the JH and GR keep AS as the starting QB.
“Smith hating simpleton’s”
SMH, yes one week after throwing for 300 yards, continuing to bring in CK has apparently caused such torment to Smith’s self confidence that he threw 3 interceptions this week.
The spot use of CK is no more than low hanging fruit for those unable to see the real issue. This team is not as good as many think they are. The defense is following the trajectory of those Fangio led in the past by giving up progressively more yardage each year he is there, and the offense is mediocre at best when it doesn’t work to establish the run early.
>>This team is not as good as many think they are.
That is perhaps true. But it seems “the plan” that deviates from what is good about the team, needs to be rethought. And JH admits as much.
The plan needs to be, run the damn ball early. The offense has proven 2 times now that it does not function at it’s best when they try to come out throwing.
As much as some may not like it, that’s what works for this team and they need to stay the course.
+1, Jack.
Jack, that plan works for most teams that win the game. The NYG’s deployed that plan and it worked yesterday. Running opens up the passing – keep with it.
Jack,
The plan needs to be, run the damn ball early. The offense has proven 2 times now that it does not function at it’s best when they try to come out throwing.
Yep. Don’t know why they deviate from what works but it needs to stop.
The Smithers are out in full force against JH. What happened to in JH I trust? There’s a reason why you dimwits are setting behind a computer screen and JH is the HC of an NFL team.
The fact is the Alex Smith killed at least 5 drives by himself. The plan was good, the execution sucked. JH is not going to throw his players under the bus. So he took the high road, took the blame, and placed the blame on ‘the plan’.
Ah yes, “the plan”. Exactly.
While “smithers”, along with JH, saw that the plan was lacking, what do the haters see?
I saw poor execution. Didn’t you see the same? After 6 games, I’ve seen wildly inconsistent QB play. Yet you want to put full trust and dedicate 100% of playing time to such a QB? Pure genius.
Even after a career worst game, AS is still in the top 7 of NFL QBs. I bet the other 24 teams with QBs ranked 8 and below would love to have kind of inconsistency from that position.
At 4-2 The team is tied for division lead. I bet the 23 other teams with worse records woukd love to have same inconsistent play.
Why is he in the top 7? he got fat against the BILLS! What about the Giants. I just know that we can’t have that performance from Smith in the playoffs IF we even get there. Thursday will tell you what kind of QB we have. I already know. I say, start Kap.
The plan was good? I suppose Gore not getting any meaningful carries in the game in the second half was “good”. Abandoning our running game just like in the Vikings game burned us and Alex really had no choices but to force some things. We are already aware of Alex’s limitations as a QB of this team, he is not one to put the team on his back and do it all alone. Harbaugh/Roman should know better by now that the strength of this team is the running game and yet they still took the ball out of Gore’s hands. I bet you also thought it was “good” that Alex and Kaep were in/out of the huddle multiple times in this game disrupting any offensive rhythm and cohesion. Harbaugh already admitted the gameplan was not “good” as you said.
Nick,
Ask them why the 1st three drives of the game stalled? They seem to think that Kaepernick was the reason. That is hilarious. Tipped pass from a perfect pocket. Poorly thrown pass to crabtree who was in position to get a 1st down. Interception on 1st down on a horrible read and pass. let’s stick with the facts about the 1st three drives of the game. What killed our momentum completely. That 1st interception. That’s a reality.
The Colts, who last week beat the Packers, this week had their @sses handed to them by the Jets. Those very same Jets who had their @asses handed to them by us. The Packers then go out and knock off one of the undefeateds. The Raiders (Raiders!) nearly beat the other undefeated in their own house. The Bills, that high school team, beats Arizona in their house. The same Arizona that is supposed to be challenging us for the division title. Meanwhile that other division challenger, Seattle beats the Pats. Rookie QB takes out Elite.
The point being, throw out who and what you think is “elite”, who and what you think are doormats, who and what you think are dominant. This is a crazy season. Making pronouncements such as we’ll never get to the SB while x is playing – based on a results of a single game is going to come back bite the pronouncer in the @ass.
cool
ribico
It has been this way for a long time. Ever since the salary cap started, any team can win on any given Sunday.
Except the Raiders. They still suck. The one constant in the NFL world is that they will lose. If you lose to them, pack it in, because you aren’t winning any titles.
Good points, Ribi. My take is, it’s not the best team that wins. It’s the team that plays best on that particular day…thus, the “Any Given Sunday” rule. I think your points are spot on, and make my case.
And DS, thanks for brightening up my day a little with the reminder about the Traitors. My two favorite teams are the Niners, and whoever is playing the TRaitors. So I’m one and one yesterday…though it doesn’t help a lot, after that loss…
The game planing was awful…Alex smith is being micromanaged to throw to preordained targets before the snap…the 4 wideout/ 2 step drops were being read for slants by the giants,,,the training wheels need to come off and they have to allow him to survey the field…no more gimmicky wildcat for cry in out loud!!
Well stated Ribico!
I think I speak for a lot of folks here, when I say I’m not an Alex Smith Fan, I’m not a Jim Harbaugh fan, I’m not a Gore or Crabtree fan, I’m a Niners fan, and I love these guys because they play/coach for my team!! You don’t have to be anti Smith or anti Harbaugh or pro/anti Kaepernik to critic the teams performance, simple fact is we didn’t get it done on both sides of the ball, no one individual but the team, the team, the team!!
Now enough of this back and forth, we all know what needs to happen now, beat the chickens!! Go Niners!!
+1. Perfectly said.
+2
I still trust Harbaugh we all make mistakes. This game sucked and yet it should open some eyes I hope. The wildkrap is not a solution its an indicator of weakness. There were so many problems across the board its hard to pin point which one was the most prominante.
1. First and foremost get rid of the wildkrap. Go back to our conventional offense of pounding the ball.
2. Specail teams our ace in the hole last year is our nemises this year.
3. The secondary is what I was thinking it was, weak.
4. The pash rush, what pass rush, suppose to be the strenght of the team.
5. O-line when Smith had to time to throw he was just fine.
6. AS, you sucked an egg on this one.
7. Coaching, one thing to be outplayed but another to be outcoached.
8. The running game, where did it go? Pound the damn ball thats what we do.
9. The receivers were wide open last week but not this week.
10. Re-read the first nine.
The niners had a bad game as a team, and for all you doubters who only bring up AS as the problem in this game, well your doomed to make the same mistake twice. This game was a total team breakdown from the coaching staff to the practice squad. Maybe we are not as good as I thought we were and that just pisses me off. I still say we are a damn good team that just isnt hitting on all cylinders.
Under, nice read! The 9ers will turn this loss around in a tough game on Thursday.
Undercenter, nice positive spin. However, history is the best predictor of future results.
Last year Smith was reluctant to throw to a wide receiver at all against the Gmen. Result, was one completion to a WR all game.
This time around, while he did connect with WR’s, he failed to score and threw three picks. And he got yanked in favor of Kaep, giving Kaep his most significant playing time yet.
Last year we knew we needed more scoring from the offense. We upgraded the WR position. It was the talk of the offseason, yet here we are with the same redzone numbers and exact same scoring numbers from the passing offense.
So question. Do you think that in Smith’s full second season with better WR and improved O line protection his numbers should have gone up?
I think he’s hit his ceiling period.
Bay, AS threw to the following in the win against NYG’s in 2011:
BEdwards 3
TGinn 3
MC 1
KW 1
Call it straight, you are making things up in your comment. What you believe is true, yet have no insight or links to prove anything!
I am calling it straight Smither, I am talking about the playoffs and the game this week. You want to go further back then that to prove your point?
undercenter
We win as a team, and lose as a team. Anybody not getting that, never competed for any kind of a team, nor has the mental capacity to understand it well enough.
Under center,
Let me try to address each of your points.
1. Nobody but Hofer complained about having Kap in the offense the last 2 games against the jets and bills. The Kap sub package was a major success in those games. As a matter of fact, Kap could’ve won those games playing by himself at QB. I think we can agree on that. In JH we trust right? If JH thinks he helps the offense, then he should be in the game.
2. Costanzo and Jones . Enough said. They should still be here.
3. Secondary has been playing pretty well when they make adjustments and can get rest. Defense gave up 13 points yesterday. The rest were off of turnovers and special teams. They didn’t play great yesterday but they are far from weak. Buffalo’s secondary is weak.
4. The injury to Harrelson really hurt us. I don’t think Aldon is ready for coverage right now. We may have to limit his plays again like last season.
5. A QB is not always going to have a clean pocket. He is supposed to be a playmaker. Go make a play! Go make a play!
6. Smith will not play well against Quality defenses. Watch this Thursday and against Arizona. It’s not Smiths fault. He does not have the ability.
7. The coaching has been fine all year. All last year as well. Do you think the coaches all of a sudden forgot how to coach. The players have to execute. The coaching is fine.
8. I agree with you about running the football. However, when there is 8, 9 men in the box, you have to punish the defense by throwing the ball. Alex couldn’t do that. He had open receivers yesterday, he didn’t find them.
9. take a look at the game again. The receivers got open. Smith missed them a few times. He chose the wrong target on others. We didn’t play the Bills this week. The receivers we open because the coverage was poor. When Crabtree is that open 35 yards deep in the end zone, you know the coverage is poor.
>>The rest were off of turnovers and special teams
I missed those pick sixes and returns for TDs yesterday. Can you point me to them, Jordo? Maybe they are showing on your all 22 view?
Ribico,
The last 2 Smith interceptions gave NY the ball on the 12 and 5, and they were held to 2 FG’s. The KO return set them up at the 32.
ribico
FACT: Our D gave up 26 points. If not for a blocked FG, it is 29 points. They did this at home. Nobody wins a lot giving up 26. True you won’t win many games scoring 3. But if the opponent is held to less than 17, 1 or 2 big plays and you’re back in it.
Jack,
Ribecoe knows that. He’s just having trouble defending that 41.3 rating with 3 picks, stupid forced picks at that. Not even a good try man.
BS,
We did have some big plays. That combination of Smith to Rolle created some big plays. Just for the wrong team. Thanks Alex.
>>He’s just having trouble defending that 41.3 rating with 3 picks, stupid forced picks at that. Not even a good try man
And Philip Rivers, who has these multi-pick games regularly (the latest last night, allowing old man to escape total embarrassment) was touted as someone haters would take as their QB “in a heartbeat”.
QBs have good games, QBs have bad games. Unlike Welcher, who has a 100% crap posting record.
Here is a worry going into Thursday’s game. Since the 49ers gambled by making their starting RG also the back-up for both tackles, with Staley out for this game, who comes in for Boone or Davis if they go down? Seattle has a fierce pass-rush and I’m already worried about Boone being able to hold his own without help, but who is now backing him and Davis?
The tempo to start the game was great, nice balance of run and pass, then with a 3 point lead, they start chucking the ball all over the place. Gore needs to get his touches, cuz eventually he’ll break a 20 yardes and slowly deflate the defense’s spirits.
Instead, SF was on the receiving end of that from the vaGiants
Has anybody thought about the fact that Alex might be hampered by his sprained finger? That might be the cause of some of the interceptions.