SAN FRANCISCO – The 49ers beat the Seahawks 13-6. Here are the grades for the 49ers’ offense.
Quarterbacks: D. Alex Smith did not have a good game, but he did lead one touchdown drive in the third quarter and that was all the 49ers needed to beat the Seahawks. Smith was five-of-five on that drive for 60 yards and a touchdown. On the other drives, he was 9-of-18 for 90 yards and an interception. Colin Kaepernick got in the game for one play, ran a draw to the left and lost a yard.
Offensive line: A+. These guys must be the best run-blocking offensive line in the NFL. Seattle has an elite run-stopping defense, but the 49ers’ offensive line opened huge wholes all game, especially in the second half. Right guard Alex Boone had a particularly dominant game run-blocking. This unit gave up just one sack, but Smith takes most of the blame for it because he held onto the ball in the pocket far too long .
Running backs: A+. Frank Gore finished the game with 16 rushes for 131 yards and 5 catches for 51 yards. In the second half alone he had 10 rushes for 92 yards and two catches for 27 yards. He completey outplayed Marshawn Lynch, who may be the best running back in the NFL. Gore left no doubt that he is the most valuable player on the 49ers offensive. Whenever he gets about 20 touches, the 49ers are tough to beat. He took a shot in the back in the second quarter and bruised his ribs. That will be something to monitor going forward. Kendall Hunter played well, too, gaining 45 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches.
Wide receivers: C. Michael Crabtree caught a crucial 10-yard pass on third-and-ten two plays before the 49ers scored their only touchdown of the game. He also broke three tackles on a sideline catch. Kyle Williams caught one pass for 18 yards and Moss caught one pass for 14 yards, although he got himself open in the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Smith didn’t throw it to him until it was too late, and the pass was intercepted. Mostly, this group got pushed around by the Seahawks big, physical corners.
Tight ends: B. Vernon Davis was open on plenty of plays, but Smith never threw him a pass. This was the first game in which Davis did not catch a pass since Novemeber 30, 2008 at Buffalo. Delanie Walker caught one pass and it was a touchdown. He caught it at the Seahawks’ eight yard line and ran around a Vernon Davis block into the end zone.
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Thanks frank gore,thank you oline,thanks defense and special teams (Ted ginn) Alex thanks for nothing.
Actually, my observation is the o-line is being overrated because of they’re stellar in the run. I’d be ecstatic to be wrong about this, but I think their defense against the pass rush has been subtly exposed. I’m anxious to see the stats on hits and hurries on Alex – who had a mediocre day regardless. Vernon Davis shut out for the first time in his career, to me, means he was too busy helping the line block. That said, the NFC West has indeed become the new NFC North. Kudos to Seattle’s defense – they look damned good this season and will be frightening at home.
Yeah I doubt we take the one at Seattle, especially with that kind of production from the passing game, or lack thereof
Grant,
Was Crabtree open a lot too? He seemed to be frustrated during the first half where Gore had to calm him down.
No, he was not open.
That wild Kaep package needs to go all it does is disrupt our offense now that teams are prepared for it the element of suprise is over. That being said Smith looked like hot garbage tonight for the fourth time in five games.
So let me get this straight. Vd open and never gets thrown to. Smith misses two wide open TDs send throws a pick in the red zone in a tight game and you give him a C?
Seriously Grant rethink that one bud. C is average. You saying he was average?
I gave him a C- because he did enough to win. He gets credit for the TD drive – he converted a third-and-10. If that drive hadn’t happened, I would have given him an F.
Actually, I’m changing his grade to a D. He didn’t make one tough throw all game.
Wow, thats like the coach talking the official into changing the call!
It was pretty evident by the replays Grant that there db’s were holding, illegal contact and just all kinds of physical crap beyond the 5 yards. Everytime that happened, you see AS going thru his reads and then either running or getting sacked. They show the replay to show us what AS was seeing and thats all you could see. Did you see alot of that from the db’s?
That contact is legal within five yards. I thought the Seahawks corners played outstanding. They’re tough.
A lot of it was beyond 5 yds and they show it on the TV replays.
Harbaugh made a good point that you need to take into consideration in grading Alex Smith. While Smith had a lousy night throwing, he had a great night taking the offense out of pass plays and into running plays.
All that great running started with Alex Smith calls. All those passing yards Gore got were from Alex Smith going through his reads.
Smith wasn’t great, but he was better than a D.
Contact is legal within 5 yards. Holding is not.
I understand the rule Grant. Watch the game on TV if you can! That was beyond 5 yards or I wouldn’t have said it! They played us exactly like the Pats used to play the Colts and we all know they’re cheaters! I understand now why their corners are tough!
The refs let both teams play. Dashon Goldson took a bad angle and got away with a hip check on Golden Tate down the field. It pushed Tate out of bounds and broke up a long pass.
+1 Claude. That too!
Thats not illegal. He was looking back if I remember correctly. Incidental contact, similar to what happened on AS first overthrown td attempt to DW. They got tripped up which caused DW not to get to the perfectly thrown ball. But that was AS’s fault and another story! Anyway, we won the game and thats the best stat! Can’t wait to take them down in their house!
Harbaugh is preparing for Week 16:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/Harbaugh-seeks-clarity-from-NFL-on-play-?blockID=791049&feedID=5936
I love this line:
It’s not impossible to throw the ball when your helmet is turned and you’re looking out the side of the earhole, but it makes it a lot harder
Grant – I couldn’t give Alex more than a D.
Yes we won the game but that critical interception, the overthrows and having only 140 yards passing. That is not an average game to me.
I’m very happy to get the win though. Dynamite defense!
You guys have convinced me. I’m changing his grade to a D.
Wish the refs were as easy to manipulate as you. 61% completion 10 yards a pass and a win and you give it a D. OK but that’s hardly an objective grade.
6.1 yards per attempt – not good. His completion percentage was 47 percent if you take away the TD drive, which was mostly check down passes.
So, the WR’s are two full grades better today? The announcers kept mentioning how they weren’t getting open at all. It wasn’t until AS got the ball to the RB’s that the WR’s did anything. And it wasn’t much.
Your grading scale needs a LOT OF WORK this week Grant.
Not nearly as much work as Smith’s red zone passing.
BS, you would grade your crush A+, even if threw 5 interceptions and threw for 11 yards in one game.You are totally a buffoon on here.
Neal
Jump off a bridge. Be sure to go head first. The skull is the strongest part of your body. And for you in particular, is protecting the part of your body you don’t use anyway.
BS , you really hurt my feelings, your such a mean person.
DS
So how do you think Alex played tonight?
Nick
I was pissed off a lot last week. So I gave an F- to everybody. But I don’t really believe in the +/- thing really.
I think AS played a “C”. Would have been a “B” had he not thrown the 4th quarter Int. I grade that worse than throwing a 1st quarter Int.
The WR’s though were pathetic. A lot of that had to do with Seattle not getting called for holding a bunch of times. What the hell was that? It was nice to see the replacement refs back. I couldn’t tell the difference between them and the regular refs anyway.
I was mad about the last drive of the first half not getting any points. But AS’s throw was so horrible because the DL smashed AS helmet 90 degrees around his face. Somehow, a hit to the head of the QB not getting called. Had it been Brady, the DL is kicked out of the game, and the rules are changed to force DL to wear 6″ thick soft foam on their hands so that they don’t hurt the Supermodel husband of the NFL.
This was the kind of game I expected Nick. Minus the AS Int. I knew we weren’t going to score a ton of points on Seattle. Nobody really has. Especially not without our best WR FA pickup not playing. Once the refs weren’t calling all those penalties, it forced the game to be like a game from last year. Which I liked. Because we were 13-3 last year. And just like last year, we won this style of game.
Neal
You don’t count. Any rules regarding conduct towards others don’t apply to you since you aren’t here for football and only to be a jerk and fight. Stop sniffing up my crotch all the time like the dog you are. Loser.
DS
I’d give AS D+ and the WRs a C+. Kyle and Randy were open on multiple occasions. had AS played better, this would have been an easier win.
Nick
Adam says that the 22-film thing shows them not getting open a lot. I don’t know since I don’t have it. But I tend to think he is more right than he is wrong on this matter.
And the announcers didn’t say they were open a lot. How many times did you hear they were open vs. there is nowhere for AS to throw it? I bet it is close to 4:1. Count them up for me, and let me know.
I think we score at the end of the first half if that DL is called for hitting the helmet. I think RM was being held a lot. As were MC and KW. Every stinking time they showed them in fact.
Keep in mind Nick that AS audible out and changed the play a lot, and it worked more than not. Where does that go under your grading system? AS ran a smart efficient game. Minus the Int. He understood the situation during the game, and managed it well. That is 70% of the QB’s job. So, if AS did that well for much of the game, 70% is a “C”. The Int lowers that to a D, but the audibles and TD drive raises it back to a “C”. Had it not been for the Int, AS gets a “B”.
The all 22 film isn’t available for a couple days. Adam is referring to what they showed on the broadcast. Did you actually watch the game DS?
Prime, you said you weren’t going to be on this blog for 2 weeks. Creating a new screen name cbj doesn’t excuse you from your bet. Your negative undertones pull your covers quicker than the nonsense you spew
the wide wr’s weren’t getting open??? He missed Kyle Williams wide open for 2 easy tds, randy moss for one WIDE OPEN td and Kyle Williams for a 15 yard game, you smith lovers are the most mentally sick people I have ever seen. Don’t let Jim Jones get his hands on you!
Grant,
It’s very puzzling to me why Alex didn’t go to Vernon…not even once. He’s never seemed shy about it before. I know VD stayed in to block a lot this game, but could you follow up with Alex or maybe the OC and ask about why he wasn’t targeted at all?
He treated VD like Crantree. VD is and was open. Smith just does not throw to spots. He has to see you standing all alone. IF he even sees you!
Bay,
You got the clown Prime to bite on my bet. Low hanging fruit, but that’s how smart he is. Dumb as a box of rocks. Somehow to managed to keep BS off the blog as well. I guess BS has nobody to write too. If we’re lucky, we get a 2 for 1. Both BS and Prime off for 2 weeks. Lol.
Hahahahaha
23J
Primate will most likely continue to post under a different name. Even without this bet, he would have disapeared after the way his hero played.
Does it really matter. Jordo never paid his bet so what’s the point!
I don’t see how you give the WR’s a “B” grade. Alex tried getting them the ball in the first half neglecting the RB’s, and Seattle beat the tar out of our WR’s. The didn’t get open nearly enough to have any impact, and Alex had under 100 yards passing as a result. Against top CB’s, our WR’s still aren’t getting the job done. Wish Manningham had been in there as I really wanted to see what he could do against Seattle. Oh well. We’ll need to surprise Seattle in Seattle with him then.
And, I hope it was clear to all that putting CK in against a good defense is now a wasted play. He was in on one play. Couldn’t outrun a 300lb DL, and got clobbered in a helmet to helmet hit that should have been called a penalty while losing 2 yards or so on the play.
Then AS makes the right read on the next play, but a poor pass (needed to be higher) and it is Int. AS had the team driving for 2 straight possessions, and the moment after CK came in throw a pick. That is becoming a pattern now. So, don’t put CK in the game as the QB.
The WR’s had a worse game than AS. So if you choose to give AS a C-, the WR’s deserve no better than a D+. They had no impact on the game.
Great to see the Niners ST play like they had last year. Nice returns by Ginn. Great punting by Andy Lee and coverage units tackling the guy ASAP. Especially that last Seattle drive. Lee kicking it to the Seattle 10 was All Pro. That is what I like to see from everybody. Making big plays in big moments.
Oh shut up. Recievers were open an smith won’t throw the damn ball. Get lost!
Be nice to X-delicious. She’s entertaining.
md
Racist. Racist. KKK wanna-be.
It’s losing its mind right now. How dare you Grant? IT’S THE RECIEVERS FAULT DAMN IT!!!!! LACES OUT LACES OUT!!!!! Lmao
Lmao!!! I’d be the first Puerto Rican in the KKK. System overload. Ha ha haaaaa
It’s been a rough week for DS. In her desperate attempts to fault anybody but Smith, she even ranted about CK being left handed and how it was making it difficult for the receivers to catch the ball.
“Isn’t CK also left handed? That could effect the difficulty for the receivers catching the ball. When Steve took over for Joe, Jerry said he had to get used to the spin on the ball since Joe was right-handed and Steve was left-handed. It was hard for the best ever. So, how hard is it for our playmakers to have to adapt to the back and forth between AS and CK?”
The only problem with that? CK isn’t left handed. When Jack Hammer busted her myth, she then proceeded to blame the receivers.
“So the WR’s still suck at making catches no matter who throws it.”
1. Blame the RIGHT HANDED backup QB.
2. Blame the WR’s.
3. Don’t blame the QB who threw three picks and another in the red zone tonight.
That’s how it works on her planet, where it rains McGriddles.
Bs… Got its back up yesterday and on Tuesday and talking tons of smack. Her savior ribico was in the tag team on j23… Wonder what excuse it’s cooking up now. I won’t be surprised at all to hear a new fresh one.
Still racist md.
Only racist people think that you can’t be racist if you’re not white.
Hate is hate is hate. You know that though.
Lol guess what bs…. I’m a quarter white too. So I’ll let all of my black, white, Hispanic and Asian friends know this morning. Thank you for opening my eyes to what I truly am. Although I wouldn’t mind having a black qb on my team. Remember when you said you’ve never seen ck or st play in practice, but you’re going with st? Hmmm. Wonder why that was. Oh well. Enjoy stewing in your pathetic life. Because its going to be a looong week for you smither. Buahahahaaa
It’s not CK’s fault that Smith threw a pick, Moss was wide open and Gore was pointing for Smith to throw it to him. It was a bad decision and a bad throw. It also resulted in the fourth interception in two games.
Moss wasn’t open in the endzone on the int……
He was open before the throw. He was coming across the endzone right to left. AS threw it too late. He should have just tried to run it in at that point.
Moss was open for 3 secs.. When Alex rolled out, Gore was pointing to Moss, then he threw the ball across his body LATE and it was picked… I think you need to review the game again.
Moss was open before Smith even started moving around. Just didn’t see him.
Adam707
Moss was open. But when he became open, AS had to tuck it and run since the pocket was collapsing. FG pointed to RM as open, but AS had to get enough space between himself and the DL in pursuit so that he could stop and throw the ball to increase his chance of throwing an accurate pass. Had he not stopped the pass in all likelihood goes awry and is almost assuredly Intercepted.
When AS let it go, Moss was open. As JH said, it just wasn’t high enough. Should have been to MC instead. AS throws it high to him all the time. Would have avoided the Int.
Adam,
You are absolutely wrong, he was wide open for about half of the end zone. Gore was pointing at Moss for Smith to throw it to him.
Big P. Sarcasm
Adam,
My bad, it’s hard to tell with some of the excuses that get thrown at the wall around here.
DS – Moss should’ve had an easy TD, the receivers caught everything that was catchable, no drops. KW and MC had a few good plays and broke some tackles. MC’s crucial 3rd down conversion set up the Delaney Walker TD pass from Alex.
Also, the WR’s blocked very well for Gore and Hunter.
C15
I agree, AS missed an open WR right there with RM.
But, it is the WR’s job to get open to give AS a target to throw towards (WR’s grade is measured by more than not dropping the ball). It seemed like that whole first half, they tried to prove AS can get it to the WR’s, but the stupid refs and the inability of our WR’s (all of them now, don’t think I’m only going after MC) to get open really messed us up.
After halftime, we said screw it. We’ll run because that is what we do. We’ll pass and go for checkdowns, which still seemed to gain 10 yards anyway. And when we did that, we acted like the team that we really are at its core.
That doesn’t mean AS sucks. Or the WR’s suck. But our identity is set in the run game and smart QB passes to gain positive yards. Our WR’s aren’t going to go against CB’s like Seattle’s every week and the short week favors the defenses. So, they will be better. And AS will look better as a result.
But we are a run first team. That wears you down by running it at you. We come into the game with the best ST and we will change the momentum/situation of the game because we are so good there due to your ST. Our Defense won’t give up TD’s. And that adds up to us being the most complete team in the NFL. We aren’t designed for NFL highlight reels. If you thought we were, you’ll be disappointed all year long minus a few games sprinkled here and there.
As long as we don’t get stupid and put in a change of pace QB, and our regular QB doesn’t throw a poor pass (good decision), we will win every game if we play our best and our opponents play their best. And it may be a score not so unlike 13-6. And I’m cool with that because I was tired of losing.
Ds can you be anymore pathetic? Blame the recievers WHO WERE OPEN!!!! Do you enjoy being stupid?
DS that was a huge load you just wrote. You cant possibly be serious with that analysis. You just blamed the WRs for Alex’s mediocrity. Its always everyone elses fault but actually Smith in your eyes. What a joke. WRs were open plenty of times tonight and smith overthrew them or just couldnt make the play. I saw Wilson make several throws that Smith will never be able to make and I dont even think Wilson is that good.
You didn’t watch or hear the game did you jsand?
Please try to look over the game before writing your opinion about my opinion. The entire game, the announcers complimented the Seattle DB’s. Would they do that if our WR’s are blowing them off the line of scrimmage and getting 1-3 steps open on them?
Come on now. If that were happening, they’d be saying how lucky they are. Not how good they are. 1+1=2
(Announcers complimenting DB’s + every shot we saw of the WR’s being man-handled = Our WR’s not getting open.)
While you were so enamored with what you were hearing you probably missed all those open WRs that i saw AS overthrow or just not throw too. your excuses are old and you have nothing backing your statements but snide comments. its old
jsand
Your eyes and ears and likely heart is old. Did you read Adam’s comments? Did you listen to the game?
You didn’t answer a single question of mine. Not a one. You play out the same tired reply that I’ve read on this blog for years. So if we are talking about tired old posts, you’ve copied pasted ones I’ve read for years and several blog masters now. You ignore what the known facts present (announcers) and come to the conclusion you had made before the game, year, JH era began. Again…that is tiresome.
DS, once, you have recovered from the come-down of your verbal masturbation and wipe your eyes clear, maybe then you’ll actually read what people write. I did answer you and i did watch the game and i did see AS overthrow KW 2 times when he should have hit him. I did see AS throw an interception in the end-zone and i did see him miss Moss on another play. I don’t need the talking heads that you conveniently use as your nonsensical defense tonight because it sort of fits your weak argument to tell me what i saw or didnt see.
Please, Id love for you to show me anything ive copied and pasted. I can type with more than my pointer fingers unlike other people around here.
I see every QB miss more than1 WR all the time. It’s called the NFL. Go watch a movie to relieve yourself. Find me 10 QB’s who never miss even 2 WR’s in a game. Tom Brady by the way misses a lot of deep ones last year. You can’t even find one. Once again you think it is easy when it isn’t. For quick recall reference, both Wilson last night and EM last Sunday missed more than 2WR’s who were open. Are you calling for them to be replaced?
You clearly are new to football or else you’d know the best do in fact miss several throws a game.
DS, no they didn’t need CK at that point to come in and run – it hasn’t worked for two weeks now. If they think he can add something passing, then do that. The WRs get a B for the fact that RM was open and AS missed him for a TD and KW was overthrown for what would have been a TD.
And they blocked like champs today also. FG owes them and the O-line a steak dinner
I saw some frustrated recievers on the sidelines and on the field tonight. This game should have been an easy win.
Smith leaves his team in a dog fight because he can’t score.
Yes he did. I watched closely to see if he would hit open recievers and forget about last week. Gun shy, inaccurate, and played scared. Recievers weren’t open all the time. But when they are against a tough defense that when elite qb’s hit them. It took the running game and dinks and dunks to pull out a game that shouldn’t have been close.
Oh and look at bs losing its mind over the grades. Blaming the recievers. Ha ha ha haaaaa. Yeah being at the game doesn’t make a difference in what you can see. Lol
If they had anyone better than they could displace AS now. Unfortunately they don’t. They may need to put some of those draft choices together to get their man.
Hofer they put Smith in his rookie year and he was primarily a shotgun QB. What do you know that we do t regarding Kaep not being able to do it?
THIS was the first presser where Smith was not accountable. He made excuses fir his performance. He’s never do e that before. Means he’s feeling the pressure.
I haven’t seen enough from CK other than a few runs. If they really want to get him ready, let him run a few series. Maybe they don’t trust him yet?!! I wouldn’t mind seeing them put some of their draft choices together and get another QB in the draft. If AS leaves, then CK can compete with a new rookie. Hopefully a pocket passer.
could have been an easy win for seattle….they left a lot on the field early in the game…..
yuck game for AS
that was a heck of a physical game and in the beginning i was beginning to think that seattle was about to impose their will….
by the niners came out and adusted to something they could handle…
really unfortunate AS did not see moss in back of endzone that would have helped minimize his crappy first half when for instance his pass to #10 actually was to row 10…..
guess u could say i am a semi-smither but he is wearing me down…
not asking him to be transcendent ….
there were large stretches of this game where the niner’s WR could not get separation and that was discouraging ….. almost as discouraging as AS
but you had to know that these were two tough defensive teams and niners had a chance to punk seattle just like the niners got punked by the nyg …..
so does gore have some broken ribs or did i just mishear that
JG, all good points.
jg
If the WR’s don’t get separation, and AS is looking for them first, how is AS going to look good?
They are one in the same.
And I agree with you about early in the game. We missed some, but Seattle really blew it big time.
Grant,
I’ve never seen a QB throw a pass towards a RB that was pointing for him to throw to the wide open target (Moss) in the end zone. The play resulted in a pick when it should have been a easy TD, or at least a FG. Smith was not give the option to throw it on the following drive and they settled for the field goal. Coincidence?
Smith misses wide open TD’s every game now.
Grant,
Is Gore hurt?
Grant, can u ask them why they continue to get away from running in the 2nd Q for no apparent reason. Had Niners continued to run against Giants after they scored the 1st TD, it may have been different game. Smith cannot lead the team, he needs ground game and play action to be successful.
The refs possibly did kill one great offensive play to VD on the facemask to Alex that wasn’t called.
We had 2 WR’s open on that play and it appeared there was a huge lane 4 VD to run n catch for big yards.
How many of you think we can win a Superbowl with this mediocrity? Thank god 4 butterfingers on that whole SEA squad.
What’s your solution?
My solution is for him to lose his internet access.
Run more. AS is and never will be the reason we win games. Its not about him. He cant make the throws. Let our defense and run game win for us like last year
If it were that simple, the Niners start CK. I am sure after a few weeks he can handle the handing off to FG/KH procedure just as well as AS is now.
Please think of reasons why that hasn’t happened.
Some of you are out taking a powder when they’re showing the all-22 overhead and Mayock is pointing out almost the whole game that our guys are beat up at the line and are covered like a blanket.
Yes, Smith had two timing issues with KW and absolute senior moment with Moss in the back of the end zone. But visual evidence of the receivers completely outmatched is undeniable.
Adam, that’s all true. AS needs to hit on those. They have 9 games and the playoffs for him to redeem himself.
hof
Those deep passes, are by principle harder to hit. If they weren’t everybody would always do them. EM missed a lot of deep ones against us on Sunday and in the Title game.
The RM misfire was much worse by comparison.
Probably need more of the half back and full back screens but Tukuafu needs a bit of work. Either catch the ball or stay out of the passing lanes.
Everyone thinks of Joe Montana as a God. Myself included. But everyone just remembers the good. I remember in 1990, the year we’re going for the 3 peat. Giants/9ers, Monday night! JM was 12 of 29 for 152 and a td. we won 7-3. Rice had 1 catch for 13 yds. The next week was the Bengals. We were 12-1, Bengals were 7-6. JM was 19 of 26 for 185, 0 td and 1int. We ran for 200 yds. The week before the Giants we lost to a 4-7 Rams team. JM had 6 games that year with under 200 yds and a few barely over 200 yds. But NOBODY can see past the SB’s. It was a very AS type season and if you think for 1 minute we didn’t rely on the running game and defense, you got a bad memory! Just sayin! Good Night!
Man, stop with all that truth. you’re confusing the trolls.
Yeah, but the reply is now this is a QB driven league. Yup a lot of 300/400 yd games by the losing QBs!
We just need to be more Walsh efficient. Do what works: play action and running. Scrap ask the cutesy stuff and stuff that doesn’t work. No more of the pistol and the read option junk. Just kills drives.
Adam, did you see CK get popped tonight. They are going to get him hurt before he can prove if he is good enough to start.
Yeah. I coined a new saying: “dekaepertated”.
Seriously though, they need knock that stuff off and let him throw the ball. Quit with the Tebow impersonations.
That hit is what happens when a running QB meets up against a good defense. That was a 300lb DL who did caught CK. Welcome to the NFL kid.
If CK were to ever start, and he takes hits like that as the norm, we better get Scott Tolzien ready.
Adam
If CK isn’t making good decisions running the ball (knowing when to get down and such), what makes you think his decisions passing will be any better? Especially in the redzone where all the defenders are already packed in there all tight.
They won’t but it’s part of the learning process. I would fully expect him to throw picks because he’s not used to the speed. After that though, who knows, you go up or down and sometimes both.
You take that chance with a team who isn’t a serious Super Bowl contender. Like a 6-10 team with an under performing defense and no QB under contract.
Dude just stop it. When has Smith had a string of even 300 yard games? Change your name at once. JM in that year was a proven legend already. What has smith done? When has he showed consistency? We look past the superbowls? Man please. 3 of his SUPERBOWL performances were better than any game Smith has ever had. Again don’t ever bring up JM for smiths defense. You will look like bs…. In fact you’re on that same level now. Change your name for the sake of the rich winning Super Bowl history. This post was pathetic
Yeah, except he’s right. The rose colored glasses aside, Montana had bad games. The younger generation doesn’t remember that.
It happens to the best of them. No one is perfect 100% of the time. Some of those games were against the Giants which is why I hate that team.
Boy! Do I really have to change my name? Yes, Montana always shined in the SB, The point is, is that getting to them looked alot like it does now. 200yd passing games, balanced with a good running game and a great defense. I coulda wrote a mile long post about every JM year but ’90 just came to mind. God! I hope I don’t have to continue explaining everything to you Md.
Dude to even bring up another qb to defend the one we have now is pathetic. Bs does the same thing. Some say as isn’t Rodgers and Rodgers isn’t even on this team. Bs uses the Eli and JM card all the time to get off the fact that smith played poorly. Nobody said Montana was perfect. But what’s that have to do with smith? Has smith ever had a memorable season like Montana? Once??? Man when are you all going to learn that bringing up the greatest qb’s stats or rare bad games to defend a qb that isn’t even close to his level is truly truly pathetic. Actually tearing down a legends name for smiths sake should get your 49er card revoked till further notice.
Don’t see how the wide receivers got a B, yes Smith played bad but the wide receivers were blanketed all game by Sherman and Browner. They are two of the best cbs in the NFL but still unlss we’re grading on a curve a B seems way to high.
Wroooong! They blocked well Nd were open at times. If the qb had the balls or vision to hit them. This would have been a blowout.
Nah, the receivers were jobbed. I mean there were a boatload of penalties that weren’t being called but the coaches tape showed our guys covered up. Either the Hawks have very good DBs or our guess weren’t ready for this. Except for a few plays they gave us we looked slow. Smith didn’t look very good either.
Adam i saw the recievers open at times . A qb with balls hits them. Not every wr squad runs open every play in the nfl. It’s the qb’s that take the shot when they are open. And hit them. That’s one of the differences between average and elite. Smith had some chances and Didnt pull the trigger. Watch your film again
Recurring theme man. Aikman has said it now on several occasions, Mayock said it several times tonight
You’re not seeing the overhead at the game.
Not saying Smith had a great game but the all-22 overhead was pretty telling.
Check YouTube some time in the next couple days. Inoticed some people posting the paid stuff. It doesn’t stay up long because it’s copyrighted but it does pop up. You’ll see what I mean.
They’re starting to use it more in the broadcasts to. Highlights a few issues. Moss looks slow and Crabs sometimes gets completely jammed.
Again Adam. The recievers are not going to be open every play. Did you watch every play? No you didn’t because some of the ones you brought I could bring up a play where they were open. This is what some of you have apparently forgotten since we haven’t had an elite qb in years. When the recievers are open, and even if its say… 4 times in one game. An elite qb makes the defense pay with the slim opportunities they have. That’s what separates elite and average. And more importantly. That’s what wins playoff type games and loses them. Do you not agree with this assessment? Does Alex smith take advantage of these 3-4 opportunities a game?
Ill tell you one time when he did. Last years NFC title game. The second td to vd. The giants locked down our recievers for most of that game. Smith finally saw a slight opening and threw the ball. Vd caught it and scored. Smith does not do this consistently.
Ok, obviously they get open and Smith does hit them. Sometimes he does not. Most times it’s over 60%. That’s not horrible. His problem is that if no one is open he’s indecisive.
the screens helps a bit but not always. I’d say they need to go back to the Walsh tapes.
The stuff on YouTube will have every play.
DS……. What’s your deal? Ha ha ha haaaaa.
Good game for the OL, Gore, Hunter, the defense and STs…..
That being said, this game could have been much more lopsided if Smith hits Williams on those 2 deep balls to start the game… That INT he threw in the endzone was bad… He was given the ball at the 50 and we went 3 and out (2 incompletions and a sack). When we hit the redzone we usually stall… Aside from the game against the Bills and their horrid defense, Alex looks to be going backwards.. Kaep’s time may not be far away.
Here’s hoping we clean it up…. We got some time at least.
Niners 8-0 under harbaugh when he passes the 100 yard mark. Feed Gore the rock every Damn game. Keep smith limited and run it 30 times a game.
Ok… Anyone in here that thinks CK can’t AT LEAST do what Smith is right now is smoking good stuff. I hate to say this but its looking more and more clear that smith hit his ceiling and can’t handle the pressure. He has ZERO excuses this season. Ill give him one more game like this and he is done.
MD, AS has the rest of the year. Why do you automatically think CK is the heir apparent? I’ve seen nothing to lead me to believe he is the next QB. The 9ers have accumulated quite a few draft picks. I’d like to see them trade up and get another QB.
Hofer,
What QB would you like to see them draft?
Sadly Jack Hofer makes it look like CK isnt the answer when in reality we don’t know. What we do know is that Smith ain’t it.
Yeah really Hof. What have you seen that we haven’t? You automatically right him off? I thought you trusted Harbaugh. Ill say this. And I’d bet! That he can at least be as effective as smith is right now. Why the hate for ck dude?
And then what? Do you turn in to pumpkin?
What are the consequences if Alex Smith does not live up to your expectations?
What happened to those big-mouth Seahawk fans that were in here blogging this week? How about the clown who posted “the future’s so bright for Seahawks, he has to wear shades.” Lol!!
Well you never need shades in Seattle anyways losers!
How does 3rd place feel?
This team is hard to watch now because we all have expectations. All the “elite teams” are flawed and not much seperates the top 6 teams – except for one position: QB. After today I don’t want to get my hopes up. Even when we add weapons we are getting the same results in the passing game, which is inconsistency. Alex is good enough to manage against average and above average defenses, but when he faces a good one, he has yet to deliver. Sure it is a team game, but just doesn’t have “will” to win. He’s a competitor, I don’t doubt that, but until he breaks through and has the signature win with amazing plays and throws, then the offense can only go so far.
I actually hope Randy sits him down and teach him how to see the field. How can he not throw the ball high to Randy and have him jump for it? That was just a god awful INT.
Also, we’re not coaches so we have no clue why GR calls the plays. We have to assume they know more then us, and they either don’t want to show something, or are hiding something.
I wish Alex developed a chip on his shoulder like Steve Young. Like, I’m going to show all these punks how good I really am. I’m through missing these deep balls. Manningham was missed. the dude is shifty. Crabs can’t get open against tough CBs. That’s on the coaches to get him in space and in motion.
A win’s win. Beats the Singletary era. The potential for a very dynamic offense is all here. No more excuses. Man, I wish we got Peyton Manning. It would be over…
Wasn’t just Crabs. When you see the overhead, they were all bracketed nicely. Seattle has a good defense. They picked Brady three times last week.
I’m just glad the run game can be had almost every game. It’s a throwback but it still works.
It’s what we are Adam. Wish people would stop thinking it was some hideous monster.
Remember that episode of the Twilight Zone where the attractive woman is being seen by a bunch of doctors who are wondering why she looks so hideous. Only at the end do we see that the doctors all have pig faces.
People here need to come to realize that this team isn’t going to match what is considered to be a”pretty offense” by the rest of the NFL. That is what makes us so much better and harder to beat. They don’t know how to beat what they don’t play against.
And I for one have no problem looking at the attractive woman while the rest of the NFL are a bunch of pig faced doctors who think they know, but don’t.
I agree to a point but teams do figure out what we’re trying to do eventually. The coaches have to continually evolve. I would just rather have it be showing different looks and packages instead of the cute stuff.
Adam
Teams will figure out every team. HC/OC/QB all have tendencies. That is what I call “bread and butter” plays. Like the quick slant to JR was. You know it’s coming, but can’t stop it.
Well, now it is with our RB. We did this to one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they knew we’d do it. Can’t get any harder a test than that. Our guys were flat out better. Just like in the empire days.
Maiocco really piling on Smith’s performance.
On another note. I’m glad I didn’t pick the sread. I’d be cursing Harbaugh right now. Grant please get to the bottom of that. Smh
@montanaman 16
Just stop don’t even try , go back to clown school cause that was not funny , troll
take away Frank Gore (heaven forbid) busting for 5 yards between the tackles, and the Niner offense would fold like a cheap wallet.
Alex has come a long way from his first 2-3 years, but despite what some supporters here think he actually squanders time in the pocket: increasingly often, he gets plenty of time, but he either cant find a receiver because he doesnt scan the field, or he wont throw at them. usually its the former. he still makes some throws which just leave you shaking your head. misfires. throwing way over the head of a wide open receiver, 5 yards downfield.
the Niners have a great weapon in VD and a very good one in Moss, but if Alex cant get them the ball, theyre of little use.
luckily, we were up against a 5’10″ rookie qb working with limited wrs – braylon edwards on his Nth team.
division games are often ugly, esp if the other team has some ability. but face it folks, we are working with a middle of the pack qb. which is fine as long as we have a GREAT Defense, a great RB, and we dont play a team with a great passing game. a merely good D wont be enough.
one thing remains true since the rule changes in the late 70′s liberalizing
the passing game: a great “pitch and catch” game will beat a great “ground and pound” team, unless you hit their qb.
ps. unlike many here, i remain completely unsold on Kaep as a near or long term replacement for Alex: not only does he play in a raw, unpolished style, his accuracy is highly ususpect, and thats the one skill you need to have at this level, even more important than field vision. have a funny feeling that Harbaugh/Roman agree, or they wouldnt have gone after Manning.
If Harbaugh thought CK could do a better job at QB right now than Alex, he’d put him in. He knows what he has in Alex and is probably doing the best job possible to get him to be as successful as he can be. JH really wanted Peyton Manning to QB the team this year, but Manning probably decided at this point in his career he would rather be the offensive “Alpha Male” playing for a defensive guy as head coach (Fox) than play for a strong willed coach like JH, who was also a former NFL QB. Turning out well for him.
CK will get his shot probably in next year’s training camp (or if Alex gets hurt which is how Steve Young got his shot). I’ve seen some of CK’s college videos (the ones that have every play from his very first game, spectacular performance). Don’t know what kind of NFL QB he will be of course, but be very interesting to see how he does.
Reality check: The 49ers have a record of 5-2, which has come against teams with a collective record of 21-14 (.600) in games not against the 49ers. The team has beaten high-flying offenses (GB, Detroit) and tough, stingy defenses (Seattle). SF is one of the best teams in the league and has plenty of time to work on areas that need improvement. It’s still very much a good time to be a 49ers fan.
You may now unbunch your panties.
No more logical posts today Claude, some people still need to wallow.
@ Bray:
F’ ‘em. Who wallows after a victory?
I have no interest in enabling the self-indulgent and the petulant. It just leads to more petulant self-indulgence.
Claude- I agree whole-heartedly! On a football note, anyone else think Bruce Miller is a stud? I’ve been watching him closely the last few weeks and I’m very impressed with his blocking skills, he really understands body control, great seal blocks, you don’t have to blow the guy up every time to give your RB the space he needs. He should get some real consideration for All-Pro IMO.
Claude,
This place has turned into a major buzz kill no doubt about it. People can’t even enjoy a victory over a good team anymore. Instead the choice is to obsess over the style and the QB play. I’m really tired of it. I think I’m going to join Prime in a couple of weeks away to cleanse myself from the negativity.
Just write more bad things about alex and you’ll get a lot of blog hits, that way you dont have to do any real reporting or analysis.
Yup and after that let everyone else do the “analysis” in the comments section. Voila, you have a blog!
you should check your spelling “offensive line opened huge wholes all game”
maybe holes?
Smith generated about 6 points as QB. Not a good performance. Without Gore and defense this game would have been a loss.