SANTA CLARA — Here’s what Greg Roman said about Alex Smith and the 49ers offense at the Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.
Can you just talk a little bit about QB Alex Smith and the improvement you’ve seen in him and what may have allowed him to take what looks like a pretty big leap this year?
“I think Alex is performing exactly as we hope any player of his ilk would. He’s just going to continue to get better incrementally as he goes. He’s not a guy that gets on the emotional roller-coaster. He’s not going to have the ups and downs that some people may. He comes in every day to work, trying to get better and that’s what it’s all about, improvement at every position. He’s certainly a shining start in that regard. I think it’s just totally understanding and grasping what we’re doing, and being a really good decision maker on the field. Shoot last week, boy he made some really accurate throws consistently throughout the game. Mentally, physically and then understanding the offense to where he’s running it on the field and he’s comfortable and things are just clicking for him quickly. He knows where people are going to be, he knows where to get people, that kind of thing. It’s just day in and day out, coming in with the attitude that he’s going to improve that day. I can’t say enough about that. He’s been a great leader from that standpoint.”
Is there any reason in particular you think things are clicking offensively?
“It’s just the natural progression. When you get good football players and they work hard and stay committed to improvement, you’re going to see improvement. I think it’s really that simple. Let me just say this though, I think the players around him – a quarterback is very dependent on the offensive line. The quarterback is very dependent on people that are blocking for him or trying to get open for him and make plays for him. So, I think it’s also a credit to the group around him. A lot of times quarterbacks get pigeonholed and it’s hey, it’s all because of them, all the good stuff or the bad stuff. The truth of the matter is, this a team sport, it’s the ultimate team sport. And offensive football, it all starts with the protection in the passing game. Then it comes down to guys getting open and then they’ve got to make plays. So, it’s a credit to everybody out on the field, getting that synergy going. It’s not just Alex, even though he’s doing his part, it’s everybody.”
Is that offensive line, are they grading out at the top level right now?
“They’re grading out really high. We’re always striving to get better, but we’re making the kind of improvements that we had hoped and certainly expect. They’re playing real well and they know they’ve got a big challenge this week against that New York Giants front.”
You’ve been able to do some things with WR Mario Manningham that the Giants never were able to do in four seasons there. Can you just talk about what he’s added to the offense? The dynamic he brings to you? He’s been able to do some different things.
“Yeah, Mario is a very talented receiver. He’s got a great feel for the game. He understands leverage, he understands how to get open. He’s got really, really, extremely good feet and he’s done nothing but a great job with catching the ball for us. He’s fast, straight line speed. He can get in and out of cuts really quickly and he also knows how to set up routes. Mario is a guy with a great attitude, shows up to work every day and gets his job done. He’s done a great job. I think Mario is a guy we can keep evolving with. I think he’s a very talented football player. He’s got a real tough mentality.”
Tom Coughlin described him as a good receiver along the sideline. What do you think that means? Just, he’s good in tight spaces, he’s quick in tight spaces?
“I think it’s just literal. You saw the play he made in the Super Bowl, great body control, understanding where he is on the field. He’s got great feet so he can tap his toes, drag his toe, very good balance. We’ve seen him practice, just starting in our OTA’s, him make some really, really great catches on the boundary. And then it’s highlighted by one of the biggest plays ever in the Super Bowl, Super Bowl history was that catch he made. Which was pretty remarkable if you really go back and look at it. It was something. He knows where he is on the field and he’s very talented.”
You guys are so healthy now, you have three guys who are on the ….knock on wood, but is it hard to find spots for guys who are trying to come back on the roster, Brandon Jacobs being chief among them?
“I think being healthy is a good thing. I think there’s a lot of different problems to have. There’s good problems and bad problems. And health will always fall under the good problem category. We can only pray and ask the Good Lord to bless us with great health.”
Have you been saving Brandon for this week?
“We haven’t been saving anybody for anything. Our policy as a team, in all those situations is one-and-a-half hours before the game we’re going to make public our strategy for that game. That’s where we stand there. All the strategic-type things are not something we want to let out there. I think we’ll keep those to ourselves.”
What’s it like to watch last week’s game again?
“There was a lot of really good things on the film. And it all comes down to 11 guys executing on the play. And I think that’s what our football squad got out of that, was just watching the film and seeing that really it’s nothing supernatural taking place. It’s just when everybody does their job consistently, wow, great things can happen. I think that’s the number one thing that jumped off. Everybody did their job, played with a lot of energy. That’s something that we can build on.”
What did you think about G Alex Boone calling you evil genius? What do you think about that?
“I don’t know how to answer that question. But Alex’s done a nice job stepping in for us at guard and he continues to get better. And he brings a lot of energy to the huddle. He brings a really great attitude in there. I think we’ve talked about this before, [C] Jon Goodwin’s like the older brother and then Boone is like the younger brother that just keeps pestering him, reminds me of my kids a little bit. But really, they’ve got a lot of good things going in that room.”
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Good burst of stuff, Grant. Good game this week, I bet.
Defend the Stick this Sunday , Sea of Red , make them quit!!!!!!!!!!?
Man are we going to lose G-Rob next season is so to whom? The Panthers? The Chargers ?the Browns? Gulp The Cowboys?
I hope not I really hope not.
Hahaha Goodwin is like big brother and Boone is like little brother…..that little brother is 6’8!!!!!! Giants dont want any come thus sunday….49ers ALL DAY!!!!!
some ghosts in the machine tonight
I second this notion
Romans comments must be a bitter pill for the Alex haters.
They will say what they always say “what’s he suppose to say”
HA!
I’m not a hater or a lover. I could care less what anyone says. I want results. Barney could be behind center for all I care, as long as he’s winning Superbowls. That’s all that matters. Show me the rings baby!!!
Enough of thevalex hater crap. get over it. For everyone that said alex was the stuff, ur also the ones that said gore was done. U can hold the joc of a man thats has sucked for so long but dismantle a man that has been a lone bright spot barring injury for those same 7 years. Hipocritical dont u guys think
Funny how much better everyone on the offense can play when the rest of the offense is doing their job well, even Gore, with good coaching, good system, good players. Sounds like all the “Alexcuses” of previous years. What a revelation!!! Sounds like G-Ro must be a Smither too. LOL
yep, i was one of those suggesting to trade gore 3 or 4 years back….from a value standpoint…..
the value add came when roman and JH and revamped the offense…thus allowing gore to extend his will and of course i am excited for gore and the niners
add the word “arrived” after JH
Giants won
Biden won
Let’s hope the A’s win too
Football blog smart guy!
1 out of 3 isn’t bad Nick. In baseball that’s a .333 batting average.
Matt,
That’s 2 out of 3. Facts matter :)
Check CNN. Biden lost. Check Fox. Biden Lost. Check Yahoo. Biden lost. Check NBC. Biden Lost. Check ABC. Biden lost. The only one reporting biden winning the debate is MSN. Not the place for politics though. At least the Giants won though :)
Biden = Dolt
49ers = Super Bowl Champions
Agreeing with Prime I deleted the political stuff I originally wrote in this reply. However, I had to leave in my dolt comment in there.
How is a personal insult on the country’s VP not a political statement? There’s no content, just an insult and a contradictory statement.
Who’s the Dolt now?
It’s a debate, it’s debatable who won. I really don’t care, not even a little bit. It’s all HOGWASH anyway.
GO NINERS!!!
“We haven’t been saving anybody for anything.”
The full answer he gave to the question here actually sounded to me like a Head Coach talking, not just an OC. That would make retention harder unfortunately. The cream rises to the top.
Dunno if this has been posted yet but it’s got good stuff:
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/film-room/2012/film-room-49ers-giants
Really good stuff there Alec,
Reminds me of listening to Cosell on Thursday’s with KNBR’s Mac & Murph. Very wll thought out Knowledge.
as i suspected and pointed out …. the point of the off season acquisitions and more time practicing the offense schemes is to improve 1st and 2nd down efficiencies and yardage
not everything is about 3rd downs but minimizing the effects of 3rd down inefficiencies can be addressed from different perspectives and JH/baalke choose weapons theat could maximize 1st and 2nd downs
nice
Nice, thanks for sharing that link Coffee
I would agree that the best way to improve 3rd down performance is to first put yourself into manageable third downs. If you increase your success on the first and second downs then you end up only needing 2 or 3 yards for the first rather then say 5 or more.
cfc,
I read that site every week because of articles like this. Great stuff.
I honestly think Roman shouldn’t say a word. He is setting himself up to look ridiculous. This offense came off of two back to back games where it had to rely on trickery because it sucked so badly in the red zone.
Roman’s offense was beginning to get criticized regarding lack of deep ball attempts and connections over 20 yards with wide receivers. Lack of scoring with wide receivers. In fact prior to playing the Bills there was one wide receiver TD in four games. THAT’S A PROBLEM.
Now magically we played the worst defense in the NFL and all is fixed? Interesting.
>>Roman’s offense was beginning to get criticized regarding lack of deep ball attempts and connections over 20 yards with wide receivers
Yeah, criticized by a bunch of doofuses who haven’t an inkling of what the 49ers are trying to accomplish.
>>Now magically we played the worst defense in the NFL and all is fixed?
No. Our success has come in wins against all of our opponents so far this season. Did you just wake up from a 2 month long sleep, sleepy-head?
The Bills are absolutely horrible, but there were a lot of positives to take from that game. I love the fact that Smith is starting to throw to spots and letting his receivers make a play on the ball. He is also starting to throw into tighter windows, which is important if this offense is to take the next step. Hopefully he continues this progression against better competition, starting this week against the Giants. It doesn’t hurt to have CK7 nipping at his heels.
Big P,
I truly think that CK getting snaps is attributed to Smith letting loose this game.
As for Smith throwing to spots, don’t hold your breath. Last time he did that was to VD against N.O. It took him 6 whole games to do it again. Trust me, he had a very good game, but lets not get ahead of ourselves. It was the Bills who gave up.
This next game is the real deal. A true measuring stick.
Bay,
I said the same thing. Can Smith have a quality game against a quality defense. Can’t knock his game last week. He played a good game against a bad opponent. However, we aren’t used to him doing that all the time. Lets see how he fares against the giants. That is a test and a decent defense. Time will tell.
And the one after that, and the next game, and the next game. Every game Alex plays for the rest of his life will be a measuring stick.
Last year against the Giants in the regular season we said the same thing. What happened? Then it was the playoffs, could he win in the playoffs. Then it was the championship game. Then to begin the season this year on the road, against the best QB in the league in the most difficult place to play. Then it was can he do it again against the DET Lions, and then the Vikes, the Jets and then again against the Bills.
The measuring stick analogy will go on and on. Even if he has a great game or a poor game, will it matter, no because that analogy will live forever.
To me it wont matter either way cause its not like if he has a great game anyone will say he has arrived. But if he has a poor game, it will be open up the flood gates from 2005 til the end of time in rehasing every element of Alex’s game.
Its another game the Niners have on their schedule. Don’t get caught up in the imporatnce of it. Its another tough game on what is a tough schedule for the 49ers. This game will have no bearing other than did they win or lose. Measuring stick analogy’s is for the media so that they can keep the Alex story hot.
I mean what else is so intriguing for the Bayarea media to write about other than Alex? Their coach gives them nothing. The players give them nothing, so what other thing permeates controversy, who else #11.
“This next game is the real deal. A true measuring stick for the entire team.” Fixed it for you.
The Giants present a tough matchup for the 49ers on both sides of the ball. This is the best offense they have faced since Minnesota, and the Giants D isn’t too shabby either. As you said it is a measuring stick game…
Bay,
I agree that the Bills are bad. 90 points scored against them in their last 6 quarters of football? Yikes. At the same time, the Niners did what they were supposed to do against a bad team, which is to kick the crap out of them. Smith made some throws that you don’t see him make very often, throws that I believe are important. I think CK’s involvement has definitely lit a fire under his a$$ and that is how it should be. I’m looking at it as a stepping stone instead of an aberration. I can’t wait for Sunday.
“It doesn’t hurt to have CK7 nipping at his heels.”
Perhaps, but I wouldn’t say that CK’s running is putting AS on notice. Maybe FG, but AS no! CK needs to hold onto the ball. Remember I did say running QBs cause turnovers or get dinged. Let’s hope that’s not the case here.
Hofer,
enough with the “CK is just a running QB routine”. We saw him make incredible throws in preseason, especially the last game. Harbaugh is utilizing one aspect of his skill set to exploit defenses right now. Doesn’t mean he’s just a running QB.
You always say you trust in Harbaugh. Well Harbaugh selected CK with his 2nd round pick. First QB JH has hand selected. Are you saying he only selected him to be a running QB?
Dude enough already. Sorry you didn’t get your Pat Devlin…
Hof I agree. I think CK was brought in to create a change of pace in the running game and a decoy for defenses to prepare for. If he was indeed brought in to spark Smith, would they not have let him engineer some drives with the pass and the run?
This whole measuring stick game is blown out of proportion. Even if the Niners blow out the Giants or get blown out, what will it say? Nothin other than time to get ready for the next opponent. Make the adjustments and move on to week 7.
We said the same thing last year when the Niners played Philly, Giants, SEA. We will say the same thing in a couple weeks against AZ, then the Patriots. My point is every game presents a new challenge and in itself is a measuring stick. More so for the coaches and the media to create a buzz. Really just more of the same. It’s just another game.
Bay, CK is a component of the offense as a run option threat and nothing more at this point. Yes he did help a stagnant offense in the RZ, but in both games, the 9ers would have won without his tds. Now, some are stating his playing time equates to “nipping at AS heels” which is plain and simple an overstatement . Each and every game isn’t a measuring stick for one guy it is a team game. If the OL does well, so does the offense.
Hofer,
Smith got his shoulder broken in the pocket. He also got dinged last week in the pocket. What’s the difference? Anyone can get hurt at any time. You sound like a fool sometimes in your over protective behavior regarding Smith. You know as well as anyone the Kao is balling in his limited opportunities. If that were Smith, your tune wouldn’t be the same. That’s how you hurt your credibility here.
Kap can and will throw the football. He will continue to get playing time because the kid has tools that clearly change the pace of the game and he looks like he’s playing with the defense when he’s out there. I told you he would play and continue to play. We better out chances at winning when he’s on the field. 2 games, 2 touchdowns. He has a nose got the end zone. I do know that.
“sound like a fool”
LOL, no need to comment coming from you Jordo!!!
@ Bay, you say, “We saw him make incredible throws in preseason, especially the last game.
As much as I agree that CK is a talent, justifying it with a 4th game in preseason is a stretch. 90% of the players that play in the final preseason game have either been cut or are on a practice squad.
We will know CK is the real deal Bay when he comes in and plays in a regular season game, not out of reach in mop up time, and leads long sustaining drives of 12 plays, 80-90 yards like Alex does within this offense. Until then, its just a guess.
The regular season Bills game isn’t a gauge, but a game in the “preseason” validates his passing ability??! Now I’ve heard it all!!
See 23, this is why people call you an instigating pri$k. You make blanket statements, call Hof a fool when he didn’t say anything deragatory to you and you sound like the Niners are 0-5 and need a change at QB. It’s just negative BS from you all the time.
If you feel the need to express this as your “opinion” great, but don’t cry when people call you out!
@Prime, why do you even bother, you know that he is here to make noise, let him squak, its just better to leave his noise alone.
>>It doesn’t hurt to have CK7 nipping at his heels.
Passing ATT COMP YDS TD
Alex Smith 137 94 1087 8
Colin Kaepernick 2 1 7 0
I’m not sure in what universe one guy’s 2 attempts for 7 yards to the other’s 137 for 1000 yards is heel nipping.
Oh wait, we know. The latest line pushed by haters as they increasingly paint themselves into a corner.
FDM,
Trust that I will not be taking Primes bait again. I have no reply for such idiocy. No need to tell him not to reply. He’s a parrot, he can’t help it.
>>It’s just negative BS from you all the time.
Prime, don’t forget he got his initial welching rep from crapping on a 49er player – challenging the board with $ to find evidence against his assertion that Vernon Davis was a bum. claude easily did, welcher welched on his bet, and a welcher was born.
Kap threw into triple coverage, not a wise choice. I have zero problems with Kap playing QB, however I have a problem with him running the ball when he isnt the QB. Kap is a very valuable backup in case AS goes down. He doesnt need to get hurt on a play that numerous others could run. I am not too fond of. changing QBs during a game. So far its been very effective but its not conducive to cohesion of the team and could potentialy erupt into division of the team. As far as the Bill not being a measuring stick I disagree, they did what they were suppose to do against a poor team, beat the crap out of them. Years pass we may have won the game but it would of been close.
Hofer,
You probably think like BSPRIME, that the Niners should trade CK to a pass oriented team, even though, you claim that he can’t read defenses and can’t throw well. C’mon man!
Ribico,
You’re a lying red head need. Claude didn’t find Shi-. The video he found was faulty and 49ergirl and md said so. Only you and Fraud thought the video was valid. How many times did you get your lunch money taken in high school? How many times did you get your glasses stepped on? The red headed step child! Ribico. Poor fella!
23 elite, your deal with Prime is yours to figure out. What I dont get is that you see CK as an upgrade over Alex when the team is 4-1 and the offense is starting to roll. Wether that is against the Bills and Jets, whatever, it is growing and the passing game is getting better and you see the need to make CK more of integral part, why? Cause he ran a couple TD’s in from the wildcat position? Really?
You say “Kap can and will throw the football. He will continue to get playing time because the kid has tools that clearly change the pace of the game”
We are not trying to change the pace of the game. We are trying to keep our defense off the field, therefore ball control and long grind it out drives. CK is a nice change of pace in the RZ, but what else cna he do, what else has he done except in the preseason? Better yet, what has Alex failed to do to make a change at QB when we are 4-1, beat some good teams/playoff teams, and things look great as far as potential in the passing game, weak teams or not, the throws have been made, the catches caught, and the game plans masterful. Why you asking or promoting change?
Jordan says ” We better out chances at winning when he’s on the field.
We are 4-1 and should be 5-0 really if not for a poor game by the offense, if you want to say Alex sure, and add the fact it was poor game plan and poor defensive effort, but for the most part, we are a really good team. Not sure why your talking like things look so dismal.
>>Not sure why your talking like things look so dismal.
FDM, when the team and Alex win the superbowl, Jordo will be complaining it took him too long to get there. He really is pathetic.
ribico
If we win 34-0, he’ll complain he didn’t match JM/SY last Super Bowl win. JJ would have scored 100 points.
Prime
Last year the supposed measuring stick game was the TB game. They had shut us out in 2010 (AS wasn’t the QB that game). And had a winning record. The moment the game ended the haters acted like that game was meaningless.
23′s message is so tired that now we can predict the excuse before it actually happens. Like I said about opinions, they are great, but when there is little to no fact to support it, and if it is actually proven wrong time after time and then still repeated, what is the real message?
FDM
It is the fashion in which 23 expresses his opinion that is the problem. Not the opinion itself.
Hofer,
It’s interesting that you would pick the “It doesn’t hurt to have CK7 nipping at his heels.” comment from my post. Do you get so butt hurt over any perceived threat to Smith that you can’t help yourself from defending him against nothing? “Perhaps, but I wouldn’t say that CK’s running is putting AS on notice.” Who said anything about anybody being put on notice? I didn’t. I said Kaepernick is nipping at his heels, which is correct. I sad that after I complimented Smith’s play. I guarantee you that having Kaepernick behind him makes Smith work that much harder because Kaepernick wants Smith’s job. That’s how it should be. Your anti-CK rants are getting old and they are even more glaring when you start one over my post complimenting Smith’s play.
Big P competition is great and its great that CK is pushing Alex. Hof and others are trying to explain to Bay and 23 that where is it evident that CK is ready to lead? Why is it necessary to get him more involved outside the redzone. Has he shown an ability to lead the offense in a manner Alex is not?
Bay and 23′s message is that the coaches are using or should use CK more because he is a baller and could do a better job than Alex.
Nothin is broken or needs repair right now, just some tweaking. Their comments just show a need to stir up attention. Hate in other words.
Bay,
The Niners have played two top 10 ranked defenses in Minnesota and Detroit, and the #16 defense right now in GB. They have won 2 out of those 3 games. Nothing has been fixed because there really wasn’t much of a problem. They lost to the Vikings because the Vikes were able to get a lead and run the ball, play cover two to stifle the long passing game and flat out outplayed the Niners at their own game. It happened, the Niners bounced back with two dominating victories and now get the Giants who come in with the #22 defense. This team is playing well and nobody other than a few fans were criticizing the offense. The Niners play to their strengths, ignore style points and focus on the team in front of them that given week. It’s effective and has resulted in a lot more wins than losses. Who scores the TD’s is irrelevant as long as the TD’s are being scored. It’s not a problem at all unless you are playing fantasy football and have Niner WR’s on your team.
I think all the Kaep talk got away from Bay’s original point and that’s the offense can’t be considered all that yet. We scored several defensive points against the Jets and the Bills suck, so take it w/a grain of salt.
I want to see the Niners be successful against a legitimate team. The Giants aren’t even necessarily that team given their current ranking, but it’s better than what we’ve faced since Minnesota.
BTW, the Kaep pass into triple coverage was short. Had he released it sooner and longer Moss wouldn’t have had to stop and lead up in the triple coverage. He’d have been behind it. SO there’s still some work to do on his down field accuracy as well.
Those using the last 2 weeks as a barometer for this week are in for a rude awakening. They lost to the closest thing to a complete team they have faced to this point.
Jack is there a thing right now in week 5 as a complete team in the NFL? Most battle tested and competitive team maybe, but complete, thats something we say in the playoffs cause to get there, you need to be complete in all phases.The Vikes out coached and executed the 49ers. The Niners played terrible and the Vikes played great.
The Giants have not played well at all this season. They got beat soundly by a Cowboys team that looks dreadful now. They layed two eggs against Carolina and Cleveland before Eli took over and won it late in the 4th Q.
The Giants are not a complete team right now, they will be later in the season cause thats what they do. But by no means coming into this game are they a complete team. I dont think anyone is right now in the NFL. So this measuring stick analogy, the Ginats play poorly, are we gonna say this was not the same Giants team as last years playoff team. Of course, cause its not the playoffs and like I said, most teams that get to the playoffs are complete. Sorry for the ramble.
FDM,
I didn’t call anyone complete. I said close to complete. This game will play out nothing like the last 2 weeks. As I said earlier this week on my blog, this is the start of a 5 game stretch that will tell us how good this team is.
The Giants present a great test for the defense.
What about the last 3 weeks of the season, will that not tell us how good this team is when they face SEA, AZ, and NE?
I dont think any games in the regular season tells us how good a team really is or how complete they are for a couple reasons.
One, you or the opponent you are facing might have some significant injuries.
Secondly, playing a team on the road versus at home is a completely different animal. SEA at home versus SEA on the road, two different teams.
Lastly, being really good or close to complete at the beginning or middle of the season really does not mean much or measure up to much. The reason is peaking at the end of the season and into the playoffs seperates the elite teams from the teams that had a easy schedule and faced little to no adversity. I see ATL in that statement.
My point in all this is that the regular season is no measuring stick because each regular season game varies. You need to grind out these 16 games and play your best in December. The next 5 games for the Niners will not tell us anyhting other than did they execute and play well. We know they are a good team because they have good coaches, depth, and talent at key positions. They could pi$$ that all away in the next 5 games then turn it on the last 6 weeks into the playoffs and win it all, just like the Gmen did last year.
We know teams like CLE, CAR, TB, JKV are bad teams cause they lack all the tangibles and intangibles that make up good teams.
This is just another game against two potential playoff teams. If things fall off the rails for the Niners in the next 5 weeks, and like I said turn it on the last 6 weeks, will it matter what happens?
Jack,
The Giants will be the best all around offense the Niners have faced this season. They’ll also be one of the lower ranked defenses they’ve faced so far.
I agree that this game won’t be like the previous two, the Giants are too good to be blown out like that, but if the recent trends hold true to form, the Niners will win this game convincingly.
FDM,
Good post. This weeks opponent is living proof of how little the early part of the season means if you are able to get on a roll late. Just the same, I’m hoping the Niners are on a season long climb to the top that includes consistently strong performances every week. They’ll lose a few games yet I’m guessing just because the long season pretty much insures that, but staying healthy and not peaking too soon are the keys imo.
Well said Rocket. When the schedule came out I said if the Niners could survive the first 5 weeks and be .500, they would be sitting pretty.
Now the climb needs to continue. The passing game and playcalling looks like it has some potential after what looked like a major concern early on. The coaches proved that the game planning was a result of why certain things were called. Very opponent specific. The next five weeks will tell us nothing more than did we game plan accordingly, did we stay healthy, and are we set for a long playoff run and or homefield advantage. My point is, does beating the Bears in week 11 mean we are good, and if we lose, does it mean we are not? I dont think so.
FDM/Rocket,
This is what we know about the 49ers right now. They can beat bad and one dimensional teams. The one team that presented them with a balanced offensive approach and a decent defense beat them.
They have feasted on teams with a combined 7 wins through the first 5 weeks. It is very likely that 3 of the next 5 teams they face will end up in the playoffs. Do these games mean anything in the grand scheme of making the Super Bowl? Of course not, my point is, we don’t really know how good they are at this point. We’ll see shortly.
Jack everyone right now offensively is one dimensional. You either have your running game going, or you are relying on the pass heavily. Its week 5, what teams have complete balance right now?
You could label the Niners as being one dimensional on offense in that the running game is carrying the load. 1st in rush offense, 27th in the pass.
You could say ATL is one dimensional in that they are 6th in passing offense and 20th in rushing. Are they complete in being the 2nd best team in the NFL?
Same thing with HOU. 6th in the rush and 19th in the pass. One dimensional?
Minnesota, the most complete team you said the Niners have faced. 9th in rushing offense, 23rd in the pass.
Again, its week 5, there are no complete or balanced teams right now. Its too early to tell. This is why these games early and mid point in the season only say are you preparing and game planning well. Are you able to stay healthy and grind out wins.
We wont know how good we are till December, when your positioned for the playoffs and peaking at the time of season when it matters the most.
Jack,
I’m not questioning the fact these next few games will give us an indication of how good the team is right now. I just don’t put as much emphasis on the loss to the Vikings, or pass off wins as meaningless because they came against teams perceived as weak, as many seem to do in assessing the season so far. I look at how they played each individual team no matter how bad we think they are and the gameplan and execution used in that particular game. So far they have dominated 4 out of 5 opponents with one loss against a team that played their best game at home. Many were in here talking about how bad the Jets were and downplaying the significance of beating them in NY, then the Jets come out and give the Texans all they can handle a week later.
Let’s look at it this way, what would you say is the tougher game to win: Seattle at home or GB on the road? To me the GB game is a much tougher test in Lambeau than facing a Seahawks team that is not nearly as strong on the road. So if we beat Seattle in 10 days is that game a better barometer than the GB game as to how good this team can be? Is beating the Giants with their defense banged up and not playing all that well better than a couple of wins on the road? Possibly but it’s not a clear indication of where this team will be later on in the season, just like a loss in Minny should not overshadow 4 dominant victories with two on the road.
FDM,
You need to look further into the types of offenses and how they approach the game. You can’t look at stats to tell you that. If you want to call the 49ers, Houston, Atlanta, or Minnesota one dimensional on offense it only shows your lack of understanding of the teams.
Each of those teams along with the Giants presents exactly the formula that is needed to beat the 49ers. Decent running games and good QB play. The key agains this defense is to stick with the run, even if you are only getting 2-3 yards per carry, and to have a QB that can convert on 3rd down.
I can tell you don’t like the idea of what I am pointing out, but it is what it is.
It’s a collective thing Rocket. The Giants and Bears will present the 49ers D their biggest challenges outside of Minnesota, while the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams D will present the 49ers O their biggest challenges.
What about the Patriots offense? And what about the Bears defense?
FDM,
And by “your” I mean anyone who looks at those teams and comes to the conclusions you are throwing out, not you specifically.
Grant,
The Bears defense is stout, no doubt. Should have included that group as well. By the time they get to Brady and NE we will have seen enough to have a handle on how good they are.
That’s my position, the schedule set up perfectly for them early on. The only thing scary about GB was Lambeau. GB never tried to run, Detroit very little, the Jets offense is terrible, and Buffalo is quitting on their coaching staff.
Good point about New England.
You think the 49ers will beat the Giants 23-20?
It’s a collective thing Rocket. The Giants and Bears will present the 49ers D their biggest challenges outside of Minnesota, while the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams D will present the 49ers O their biggest challenges.
It’s subjective Jack. Everyone of these teams has a good offense or defense but are questionable on the other side. The Bears and Giants are probably the most balanced but still have their weakness’.
If I look further on down the schedule, I see the Saints being a much tougher offense to handle in the dome than the Bears at home. Seattle at home will be a much tougher test for the offense than Seattle at the stick. I’m sure you get where I’m coming from. It’s fine to look at these next few games as a measuring stick, but the games already won are just as important and the games after this stretch will be even more important.
23-20 is what I am thinking, check it out:
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/10/5-burning-questions-and-week-6.html
Very interesting. I love your questions. I would only add Kaepernick to those questions: How much of a factor will he play?
I’ll post my prediction in a couple of hours.
That would have been a much better choice for #5.
49ers will win by 10. 31-21
Good stuff, Jack. I see the Niners winning this one if they can do what they didn’t do in the playoff game. Catch the 2 passes a game that Eli throws to them. I said it before the playoff game and it still applies. He’ll give you 2 picks a game, just depends on whether you catch them or drop them.
The Bills sucked defensively, but they were the 7th or 8th ranked offense before they ran into the Niners, I believe. The Giants are the 2nd ranked and therefore the biggest test for the defense thus far. Thus providing a serous measuring stick regardless to time of year/playoffs.
That said, I too want to know what involvement Kaep will have and I believe it would be smart to use Jacobs. I’m not sure who to sit though, since he doesn’t play special teams and they clearly like working Garrett Celek into the line up at the third TE. Maybe sit Ginn?
“You guys are so healthy now, …” Who ever asked this question should be taken out and shot. Why would you jinx a team and bring up their health? Is there really any 49er reader out there who wants that question asked? Are you serious?
Your quote wasn’t a question, the part you left out was. “But is it hard to find spots for guys who are trying to come back on the roster, Brandon Jacobs being chief among them?” It’s a valid question because players like to be utilized and there are only so many snaps to go around. With Brandon Jacobs venting his frustration this week, the question made sense. All deep and talented teams have issues with players wanting more snaps.
My quote brought attention to the first half of the sentence of the question that I had issue with. If you’ll notice “…” I am showing that some words were left out from quoted material. Use your thinking cap to find the question, identify, and establish the reference.
Bringing attention to Brandon Jacobs is bringing up distractions. If history serves as an example, he won’t be on the team next season, due to his outburst. Any explanation from Brandon Jacobs is irrelevant to my statement about jinxing the health of a team.
The words he spoke, speak for themselves. I’m much more concerned with the continued health of the team and not with some immature ranter who hasn’t stepped on the field in one win this season. Just an opinion though.
Matt you were doing great until you brought up “jinxing the team” like its an actual thing. You went from thinking caps and grammar to hocum and superstition.
The question was about keeping players happy via playing time, not about the miraculous health of the team. Your quote brought attention to the first half of the sentence even though it wasn’t the relevant part or the question.
This CK vs AS crap is getting old. The reality is we have the best 2 headed QB situation in the league. they arent competing against each other, they are competing together to bury other teams. the arguements about who is our QB of the future is more about who thinks their opinion is correct. All i see is a team that is set at qb for the present and the future. go 9ers
+1
OC, I actually see this run option as a detriment to the RZ play. How will they get consistency with there go to plays in the RZ? The last game they run 3 times to FG, don’t look for the pass except where MM left his DB in the dust for an easy score. They need to get the receivers included and productive in the RZ before adding gimmicky plays such as the run option.
Hofer,
last I checked I didn’t see Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, Roethlisberger, Ponder, Schaub, Griffin, PaytonManning, Ponder or Eli Manning getting pulled for a change of pace. They definitely are not getting pulled in the red zone.
Why? Because they all attack and they all have a coaching staff that has confidence in their scoring ability.
Why is Smith the only one being tampered with in this area? Because he’s not getting it done. He’s managing the game from the 20 to the 20 but he doesn’t score enough. Unless you guys want to continue to bring up the Bills game.
Yes bay, Smith is nothing but AVERAGE. We all agree.
So who’s your team next year?
Why does he have to pick a new team? Are you the fan president who validates members?
Let him have his opinion.
>>Why? Because none of those teams have an uber-talented change of pace backup like the Niners have. Or a coaching staff imaginative enough to know how to use him.
fixed that for you, bay.
>>Why does he have to pick a new team? Are you the fan president who validates members?
matt, ask him, he’ll tell you why. It goes back to a solemn vow he himself made on the this very board.
So I’d refrain from making snarky rejoinders until you know the whole story.
Bay, your comment would be more on point if GR didn’t continually call running plays in the RZ. They’ve gotten the ball to VD, MM, and even RM on a few RZ pass plays, yet they run, run and run in the RZ trying to prove their will. CK has fumbled once and almost threw a pick into triple coverage. His tds have come in games where they weren’t vital to winning the game. It’s best they keep him on the bench and not get him dinged or have him cause the game breaker turnover. Use him like the pack used AR.
Thank goodness we do have CK for the red Zone. We all agree that we need to get better down in that area.
Hofer,
ALMOST threw pick into triple coverage??? Smith has a pick and a fumble. What’s wrong with you? So now you’re a CK hater. Remember, he’s home grown. That’s what you wanted when you thought Smith was out and manning was in. You wanted CK then. Now you’re flip flopping on him?? I bet like BSPRIME, you think we should trade Kap to a passing team. You kill me!
I completely understand that you are uncomfortable with people disagreeing with your opinions. At the end of the day though, they are just your opinions.
I knew the entire story behind bay, behind Jordan, onelatino, and behind every other emotional rant that says they are leaving if the QB isn’t changed.
At the end of the day, they are still 49er fans and I don’t remember ballots being sent out for team president over the last 7 years I’ve been here.
in my opinion, and this is just my opinion, he’s welcome among 49er fans this year, next year, and for the next 100 years, just as you are.
Thanks Matt.
I’m not uncomfortable with anything. Hey, if a guy is going to go to the trouble and give public voice to their snit-fit over what they will do if the team does x, I expect them to hold to it. you are saying I, and the board, shouldn’t?
>>Thanks Matt.
Is this sign of a welch to be, bay?
What is it with you haters?
Matt,having an opinion is one thing, repeating it as fact or profound statement is another. We all know these guys think Alex is no good. They say Alex is no good because of x,y and z. Well if x,y and z have been proven wrong, is it still an opinion of value or even warranted?
For example, 23 has said that Alex will never lead this team to the playoffs. He did.
Then he said he will never win a playoff game. He did.
He also said Alex can never win a game coming from behind. He did, last year 6 times.
He then went on to say that the Niners would never bring back Smith in the offseason. They did.
See the pattern here. In each of those intances, he explains smith is scrared, inaccurate, game manager, lousy. You do not accomplish any of those things without being the opposite of what he states (opinion).
Its okay to have an opinion but when the opinion never holds true and there is no substance to support it, what is the real message you are trying to convey to others? Please answer.
Rib,
There’s a reason I didn’t meet you in NY. Cause you are a bit of an ass.
I respectfully give my opinions and I attempt to back them up with stats. I’ve backed off of my Smith rants because I actually see him getting better.
What am I welching at?
>>I’ve backed off of my Smith rants because I actually see him getting better. What am I welching at?
Hardly. Any perceived Smith improvement is due to a variety of reasons not related to his effort or talent. The latest is that last week we played, what was it – a high school girl’s wrestling team? You’ve been directed to site after site of advanced statistics that have shown the Niners offense putting up awesome numbers even *taking into account* the quality of the opposition. Yet you blather on about consistancy from Alex, he will fall flat once he sees a “real” defense. He is at the top of the NFL rankings after all games played, even ones you and your gang of no-nothings have characterized as “terrible”.
Your potential welching has to do with your vow of leaving the site, leaving the team if the Niners retain their “average” QB. Admit it, Alex will never be nothing but average, and you have no intention of honoring your little hissy-fit. That, my friend, is welching on a promise, you are Jordo are cut from the same whole cloth.
The hater says:
Any perceived Smith improvement is due to a variety of reasons not related to his effort or talent.
The Smither says:
Any perceived Smith mistake is due to a variety of reasons not related to his effort or talent.
Lol, smh. Bring on the Giants!
Look, he makes mistakes. Yes, his fault. Keep shaking your head, But every NFL QB makes mistakes. Every DAMN one of them.
Here is the differnce between smithers and haters – The haters pile on ad absurdum to any mistake as if it were a benchable offense. Missed an open Moss, AS is sh*t. If it’s in preseason, let’s talk about for a 1,000 posts. Overthrew MC, he’s crap, bring on Kap. That’s the reason why Kap is in is because AS can’t punch it in the RZ. It goes on and on and on and on and on…………..
Get the idea?
Yes, bring on the Giants. A “real” defense with show the “real” Smith, right?
I agree. However, I think that CK’s skill set and competitiveness make him an ideal back up/change of pace for AS. If, heaven forbid, AS were to go down long term I think Scott Tolzien would be the better option as starting quarterback and CK would remain as a change of pace back up. I hope we never have to find out.
Hofer,
Thanks for the clarification. So Smith never gets the opportunity to throw in the red zone. They ALWAYS run.
Listen we believe in this coaching staff. Given that, if they predominantly run in the red zone, then the coaching staff believes this gives us the best chance to score.
How could that be if the Niners have the number one rated QB?
Bay, you read selectively. They scored with minimal passing plays to VD, MM, and RM from the RZ. The 9ers and specifically, GR want to impose their running will on their opponents. The run option isn’t necessary, just better play selection on 1st and 2nd down in the RZ period.
Now you know better than our OC…. Interesting.
Hofer,
It may not be necessary, but it is effective. If it was as simple as calling a different play, GR would fix it. CK has 3 (2 if you include the slide) TD’s in 10 carries. Gore has 4 TD’s on 79 attempts. He is a weapon.
old coach
+1
Thing is (here anyway) if you compliment 1, it’s viewed as an attack on the other.
old coach,
I agree completely. Kap has thrown two deep passes, one was into coverage and the other was a little underthrown. Portraying that small sample as a sign he’s ready to step in and take the starting job is the reach of all reaches. We know why Jordan does it, he has an agenda, but everyone else should understand that they are using Kap for his athletic ability and to get him playing time.
He’s an amazing athlete and runs like the wind; that is what he offers this team right now and they are rightly taking advantage of it. However he has a long way to go before he is on an even keel with Smith in regards to the starters job. He’s been very effective in how they’ve used him. Why not just accept that, be happy with it and hope it continues?
rocket,
All things being equal, we really only have a very sample when it comes to CK7′ passing accuracy.
One deep pass was thrown into triple coverage. Yet, RM still had a play on it.
The other long pass was dropped. So, the accuracy samples have been very small. But CK should have been 1 for 2 in deep throws save for the drop.
CK’ college stats will definitely confirm that he could throw with accuracy. While CK needs to learn to become a pocket passer, he certainly can throw while flushed out out of the pocket.
CK may have his limitations, but he may not be to far away from becoming a good to great passing QB as well.
Until that happens, AS won’t need to look over his shoulder.
AES,
The throw wasn’t dropped. It was tipped because it was a little underthrown.
I’m not trying to make predictions on Kaps career trajectory. I’m looking at what they are having him do right now and how that equates to his shot at starting anytime soon. From what I have seen he is nowhere near being ready for a full time role which is why they are developing him the way they are.
Kap has it all physically. It’s the mental and comfort part of the equation he has to refine. So far so good.
college proved the same thing for AS
and what was AS college team ranking during his time there vs the ranking of CK’s team
Ribico,
Either you didn’t my the post correctly or you didn’t get the joke. You keep rambling about haters when really you are referring to the same few people that constantly bait you into arguing with them.
Agreed Old Coach,
At the moment we have two QB’ who are establishing themselves in Harbaugh’ offense.
Each QB brings something different to the table. Harbaugh is using each of their strengths to benefit the offense in certain situations.
I love that AS is receiving recognition around the league and that CK7 is a definite sparkplug when he enters the lineup.
AS’ next level of growth in his evolution is to become more consistent. Putting together a 3-5 game good to very good performance will elevate him to ‘dangerous’ status rather then good status.
CK7′ next level is the become more accurate and to read defenses.
For now, our QB’ are a darn good tandem.
Off topic but Bay Area related rant:
Look I’m an A’s fan but I cant understand all of these internet images that say “Thanks for the Amazing Season Oakland A’s!” because frankly it was anything but an “amazing” season. Truly for the most part it was a typical sloppy slow starting and mediocre throughout season for the A’s. There wasn’t anything special or amazing about it until the last 45 days or so when they somehow stumbled into a tie for first place.
Followed up by another typical Oakland A’s postseason experience. Win just enough games to keep us thinking we have a chance but ultimately bow out in the first round leaving us all to wonder what an awesome team we’ll probably have next year…
Oakland A’s are the ultimate cock tease of MLB.
I thought the last month or so was great. Especially holding on the wildcard spot and then sweeping the rangers to win the division. That was some magical moments…. but As a lifelong A’s fan, since 5th grade, I can tell you that they are just a farm team for bigger money teams. This is their problem and the problem with baseball in general. Everytime one of their players gets good, they sign with a real team. The only times they make exceptions and sign big money deals it bites them in the butt –>Jermaine Dye and Eric Chavez
I always start Friday mornings with Mike Tanier’s forecast of the games. They are funny, and the Niners-Giants preview is hilarious.
“…Alex Smith’s sprained middle finger could limit the 49ers’ already limited deep passing game, though it should open up more opportunities for wildcat backup Colin Kaepernick, an oddly assembled athletic specimen who runs like he was edited into the game tape during post-production by Ridley Scott.
Ted Ginn has replaced Kyle Williams as the 49ers’ punt returner, though Williams now handles kickoffs. The 49ers have many players who could replace Williams and spare him the trauma of reliving last year’s fumbles in the NFC Championship Game, but Jim Harbaugh seems like the kind of guy who dangles kids off the side of the bridge to make them conquer their fear of heights.”
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/39718076/
Yeah, Tanier’s a hoot alright. I used to enjoy his prediction write-ups in the NY Times. Looks like he was bounced from that gig to the relative ignominy of internet blogster.
I think he left Football Outsiders (and the reproduction of his Friday column in NYT) for more money and more exposure. He has as daily column at Sports on Earth.
ah, thanks Mood. I was under the impression he was a NYT staffer.
No Kenny Phillips — Stevie Brown is going to cover Vernon Davis on Sunday ! Now I understand why Vernon’s smile has been wider than Joe Biden’s last night!
Good line!
The Giants are going to be a tough opponent – no doubt. However, let’s take a look at last week. The Cleveland Browns were able to move the ball effectively against the Giants.
Weeden had 291 passing yards on 22/35 for an average of 13.2 yards/reception. T. Richardson was good for 4.76 yards/carry. Due to turnovers, they fell behind in the 2nd half and abandoned the running game.
To keep this in perspective, here are a few Cleveland stats through 5 weeks:
* 14th in the NFL in passing (yards/GM)
* 26th in the NFL in rushing (yards/GM)
I have a hard time believing that the Giants defense will be able to stop the Niners offense this week.
The challenge will be for the Niners D to slow down the NY offense. I think that will happen, because the Niners will stop the Giants running game and make them one-dimensional. If Chris Culliver and Tarell Brown can keep the NY WRs in check, this game will be another blow out.
Manning has a penchant for throwing early game picks leading to opposition scores, requiring his “heroic” 4th quarters to make it up. That is dangerous to rely on time and again, as the Eagles game proved.
It will not happen against the 49ers – we will get the lead and not be susceptable to Manning’s late game comeback attempts, our defense is too well conditioned and disciplined.
Nick I’m loving your analysis right now. I hope the niners kill them with the run and then bury them with playaction. Keep Eli off the field or on his back.
Here’s a quote from the Giants Gab (one of their blogs). Interesting to say the least.
“Gilbride also addressed the issue of former Giants Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs sharing information about the team’s offense with their new team. He seemed to invite the 49ers to guess at what the Giants might be trying to do.
Most of our big plays take advantage of situations where guys are trying to overplay or cheat on a route. That’s when our big plays happen,” Gilbride said. “It really doesn’t matter what you do, if we’re doing it well enough, we’re going to have a chance to get open. It still comes down to are you good enough to beat a defender and are you good enough up front to provide sufficient time for the quarterback to make those decisions, to sit and see who’s open.“
Hakeem Nicks returned to practice yesterday. This could be bad news. Although his replacement (R. Randle) played well last week, Nicks has more experience and is a better player (at this stage in their careers).
http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/10/11/3489338/hakeem-nicks-injury-giants
Nick
Why is it bad news? I have faith in this defense. If you were to pick and choose players to form an All-Pro defensive team, look no further than this defense. I’m keeping with them, and betting they are better than any other.
Besides we don’t want the Giants thinking that if they only had a healthy Nicks, they can beat us. Nope. Crush their spirit. Leave no doubt we are the best. If we play them again (I SO DO WISH IT) they’ll know that we took their best and they still suck.
Anybody. Anywhere. Anytime.
*small sample
Let’s just enjoy the fact that right now the Niners have…
#1 Rated QB
#1 Rated Defense
#1 Run offense
#1 Coaching staff
Anybody miss Terry Donahue?
Yeah, I miss him.
But I’m working on my aim, just in case he ever shows his face again.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post of the DAY!!!
good one grumpy
+11 Grumpy!
Man listening to 23jordan’s whining is getting old. Jordan, I liked reading your comments after you have taken your daily medications..You sound liked a silly little boy, always crying all the time.
So skip it 49erman.
I do. Already know what he says before he says it.
jgwindsor says:
October 12, 2012 at 2:12 pm
college proved the same thing for AS
and what was AS college team ranking during his time there vs the ranking of CK’s team
@jgwindsor
AS had an outstanding last year of college and he was ranked very high. His stats and athletic ability were enough to get him drafted over Aaron Rogers as the top QB and #1 overall pick.
The Org thought so highly AS that they chose him over the QB (AR) that was essentially in their own backyard. It certainly didn’t hurt AS to have an up and coming U.Meyer as his coach as well.
But on sheer athletic talent, CK7 is a freak of nature. 6′ 4 1/2″ 230 lbs and 4.4 (some have claimed 4.3) 40 yrd dash speaks for itself.
While AS’ bumpy NFL journey has been well chronicled, he is now recapturing the qualities that made him so attractive to the Org when they drafted him.
AS’ intelligence, experience and cool calculating demeanor on the field puts him head and shoulder over CK.
But CK will only get better with more NFL experience under his belt and the fact that like Alex, he too is learning from perhaps the best QB instructor in Harbaugh.
While he is not ready to be an every-down starter, I don’t see CK having any major issues in becoming an NFL effecient QB. He may be a wild stallion that needs to be brought along patiently, but when he finally ‘get’s it’ he is going to be force in this league.