Adam Schefter just tweeted Justin Smith “is not expected to play Sunday night versus Seattle due to his elbow injury.”
Smith is the 49ers’ best run-defending defensive lineman and he also sets up most of the 49ers’ pass rush. Offensive lineman pay so much attention to Justin Smith that Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks and Ray McDonald have an easier time getting to the quarterback.
Losing Justin Smith hurts the 49ers’ two biggest strengths – stopping the run and rushing the quarterback. Expect the Seahawks to open the game running Marshawn Lynch right at Justin’s Smith’s backup, Ricky Jean Francois.
How do you think the apparent loss of Justin Smith will affect Sunday night’s game?
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I really do not see this defense missing a beat. RJF is more than capable of holding down the fort until The Cowboy is ready to ride again. Now if he’s not available and ready to go out on posse come playoffs? That would be a concern. Ray McDonald must now elevate his game.
They’ll miss a beat – Justin Smith is one of the best defensive linemen in the league.
I think they’ll be okay because RJF is good and they have the two best ILBs in the league behind him. Justin will be missed though – especially by Aldon.
He is and he’s the soul of the defense, however it will only be two games. RJF can play and fill in just fine for these two games is all I’m saying. It’s is time to shine for that contract. He’s going to play like a man possessed. I think if Ole McDonald can elevate his game, he can compensate.
It will hurt us, but I believe the Niners will be even more jacked up to prove their defense is the best. At least it is not a playoff game, I would rest Smith the following week with the Cards and rest him till first playoff game, we will be fine without him, we will just need to work even harder.
Neal, I totally agree with you. In the back of their minds this might be just a bit more for the defense than next next man up.
Greg,
Our offense needs to possibly bail us out, like they did against the Pats.
Neal (the real deal) – Niner D is still agitated over blowing 28 point lead last week. They will be ready to stomp some ass tomorrow night!….. Niners will beat Pete again bro. Harbs has never lost on road to Pete (2-0 @usc & 1-0 @SEA).
Love your positive energy Crabby, Cheating Pete is going down. I want to be up by 30, 2 minutes left in the game, we have to punt the ball, instead we throw the ball for a TD to VD, samething that Cheating Pete did to the Bruins when he was the head coach of USC.
Neal (real deal) – Yes “Pete the rat” did that to my Bruins, I’m glad I wasn’t at that game. I would’ve been locked up for something. ;)
Who’s the surprise X factor tomorrow? VD, Akers?
We need to score first to silence 12th man.
Hey Crabby,
No faith in Akers, believe VD will have a breakout game and how the hell do you like Crabs, I always loved him with Texas Tech and now with the Niners, he is finally healthy and this guy does have great hands, not afraid of collisions and is crafty and got good speed. He is a first down and end zone machine.
Neal (real deal) – I like the Crabby thing, even if that wacko nut-job used to call me that occasionally. Lol
Crabtree was a QB in high school, I wish Roman would try a double pass or reverse pass with him just one time.
Good times…..All arrows up!!
Crabs, Where is Hofer? I kinda miss that blue hair.
Jack – I thought Hofer was all in? When/if Kap has bad game Hofe may show up.
If it’s good times/all arrows up, why would you leave? Agenda?
Hofer is missed. I hope he returns for the right reasons.
Ol’ Hofer just took off. I would think CK’s four PASSING TD’s against the Pats would have made him happy, he always seemed so concerned about CK being a running QB.
Crab,
Hofer had a post on Monday and then vanished. He seems to be trying to stay out of the fray. Maybe he was just busy preparing for the end of the world…
Jack – Too funny….That humor was right out of 9erGirls playbook.
Crab,
I think you hit the nail on the head. I think Hofer will take a moment from his suddenly hectic schedule should CK have a poor game. Jim Harbaugh really pulled the Jedi mind trick on some of these guys, and they feel betrayed by him after they used his spoken words to the media (unless it was Crabtree, then it was just coach talk) to defend their stance on Alex Smith. It’s almost impossible for them to be on board right now, maybe after they win the Super Bowl, but not right now. It’s a grieving process for the Milky Blues cult, but I’ll welcome him back if he returns.
BigP – Some are jealous of Kap’s success …“You can’t be yourself if you’re jealous.”
Some may abandon their so-called team but the show must go on in here.
Guys,
We always knew the truth and told them so. They were Alex Smith fans not Niner fans. Hes gone, now they are gone. I dont miss them like I dont miss him. I watched the first niner game vs Seattle last night. I couldnt believe we still won with all those checkdowns.
Crabs,
So true. I’m sure a few O-rings blew out last Sunday when CK threw for 4 TD’s. DS going Chernobyl was pretty funny though. It’s no wonder she isn’t allowed within 1000 yards of schools and playgrounds.
Going too far piling on Hofer guys. DS and oneniner are whackos but Hofer is a solid 49ers fan.
Some folks genuinely thought Alex was the best QB for the 49ers. That is their prerogative as fans. No need to pile on now that Alex is gone. Not cool.
Ive said it before and ill say it again. Hofer was a Smither with a veil. He was a solid niner fan as long as Smith was the QB. When Smiths job was threatened, all you heard was a bunch of complaining and backhanded jabs at Manning and Kap. Hofer was and is a Smither. Must have killed him to write
that post after the Niner game vs New
England. Havnt gotten another post from him since. this is just a blog. Hes just viewed as a hypocrite to me now. All that all in crap. In JH we trust. He was a fraud.
This is too funny! I personally liked Hofer and hope he is well but some of the bloggers here were just A Smith fan only not a 49er fan. DS, mentioned several times we should trade Crabtree and every high ball or the INT was crabs fault! Crabtree will continue to get better and so will CK. GO NINERS
Myself and Bay would always ask Hofer what his relationship was with Smith. Hd would never tell us. He defended the guy so staunchly that we realized that there was an extremely unusual connection there. Hofer never told us he was related to Smith but he never told us he wasn’t. One things forsure. ” He gone!” Lol
Clemons,
It is what it is, I was here when Smith was the guy and I’m still here with CK. I always say actions speak louder than words, because they do. You are the one that uses the “precious” phrase all of the time, no need to ruin the fun. I’m looking forward to tonight’s game, I expect big things from our RUNNING QB.
this is huge winning will be very tough without cowboy
Off topic again, but I’m watching Jerry Rice highlights and getting that warm fuzzy feeling…..
Zero quality depth in the defensive line, decreased pass rush, and less strength against the run amounts to trouble. It all goes toward Grant maintaining his current string of picking the wrong team to win 49er games.
I recommend hoping that the 49er offense finally solves the Sea-hawk’s defense in Seattle. We can’t blow short fields or drop passes, and we can’t put the ball on the ground – especially at the snap.
Last time I checked the defense consists of 11 players not just the defensive end, yes It’s a loss but our entire defense isn’t based upon one player.
That defensive end routinely ties up two blockers which makes it 11 vs. 9 for the defense. Justin is not an insurmountable loss but he’s much more important that “just one guy out of 11″.
*than
I am incapable of typing on this little phone.
Actually Smith was much better last year, then this year, although he still is having a good season, really need beef up that position in next year’s draft
My concern is depth on the DL if Tukuafu isn’t cleared to play after his concussion. If he can’t go, Ian Williams will be the only backup and he is an NT.
I just hope Seattle thinks they can stop RJF with just one blocker. He will have a big day if that’s the case.
they need to come prepared this week, good game plan.Make that line cover the whole field, throw a few screens this week to lmj and gore. just keep them guessing,RJF will be fine hes got enough in game exp to play a real good game for us time to so what he got if he want to extend that contract. There will be some drop but not as much as many might think . play like we did last week minus the turnovers and fumbles.
this is bad news and a big blow to the defense! on the positive this also may inspire the rest of the defense to play all out in seattle!!! Go NINERS
Forty Niner Faithful check this out! Our running QB is actually is very accurate and fast in his throwing motion! GO CK baby beat the hawks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xQ7xfvFgZ1E
This week the offense gets the chance to finally prove that they can win a game for us. Oyr defense is beat up and tired. Offense scores 31 and we win by 7- 10.
23J – Proposition for you……If we win Super Bowl this year you try your first beer. I’ll drink one with you if possible. Or if you’re game, “beer pong” instead. Celebrate in style!
We don’t celebrate Super Bowl victories with pepsi 23J! :)
Let me know bro.
NFC West Title will be ours at 9:00PM tomorrow night! Take it to the bank, call your bookies and cash in Niner brothas.
Crabs,
No deal bro. My high is natural bro. I enjoy the games just as much with a pepsi as I do with a beer. And yes sir, we are winning the division tonight and the Super Bowl is ours. Book it!!!!
sorry i meant very accurate and fast with
He won’t be missed because he’ll be playing! Plan on him being in there, guys of his stature don’t need to practice during the week to be effective on Sundays. Tough as nails! What the hell does Schefter know….what Harbaugh wants him to believe and thereby mis-lead the SeaHawks???? He’ll be in there!
It would come as a big surprise given Fangios’ rule of starting the guy who practices all week over a non practicing starter.
A lot of assumptions here in the absence of knowledge. We don’t know what specific injury Justin has. If it’s the kind of thing that hurts but he can’t make it worse by playing, he’ll be in there. But if, like I suspect, it’s an injury like a partially torn ligament that could be aggravated by playing, give it time to heal.
Agreed. Camp Harbaugh can be very secretive in trying to keep the enemy at bay…the bigger picture takes precident, but I won’t at all be surprised if he’s out there.
What about Manningham? Any word?
Crab, not trying to rub salt in a wound but I’m curious what made you take Detroit tonight?
Coffee – Mental lapse and/or desperation.
The Super Bowl run will not be easy and the team needs to step up to fill gaps in games. RJF for smith, someone else to help Aldon pass rush, the offense sustaining drives when D needs a break, the D creating turn overs a la last year, special teams to help both units, LMJ becoming the impact players we need…like Cobb, Sproles, J. Charles…what is he going to turn out to be?
We don’t need Justin to win, we have a complete team.
Will Crabtree get locked up and disappear? Will VD ever get involved? Maybe our first round pick will streak down the field and grab a td or two…
Go niners, I’m pumped.
I’m getting sort of tired hearing about Calvin Johnson setting the new receiving record.
Jerry set that record when defensive backs were allowed to breathe the same air as the wide receivers. Jerry didn’t set that record in a skirt, he did it in man pants.
He also did it for a team that mattered, Johnsons record was created from garbage time, for a loser team!
True that, Clark. Can you imagine Rice smiling after losing a game during a season in which his team loses 11 games? Pathetic.
I hope Ian Williams gets some snaps
Missing JS will weaken the D a bit but the Niners went into Seattle last season without PW and came out with a win. This is just the Niners way of making Seattle think they have a chance before they step on their collective throats.
I have read this blog for a few years now, mostly for amusement in recent years. I have refrained from comments due to uncontrolable laughing. I thought this morning I would grade some of the regular posters from a non biased opinion.
A grades. Rocket, Adam
B grades. Old coach, MidWesternNiner, Exgolfer, Undercenter, Crab15, Coffee for Closers, Brotha Tuna, AES,
C grades Jack Hammer (could be an A except he wears many faces, too bad) Hoffer, Ribico, Claude Balls, Razoreater
D grades Nick, bayareafanatic,
F grades DS, oneniner, PimeTime, 23Jordan, Neal
Grades based upon Knowledge, Maturity, and Likeability
Is there any extra credit I can do to bring my grade up?
Stick,
Thanks for keeping my villian role intact. An F- for me alone wouldve been a greater compliment. At least you tried. You sruggled a bit with your grades. But we’ll give you a pass. Welcome aboard and go Niners! Dont be a stranger. We welcome all!
Just had flashbacks to my old report cards. Mr Wendorf, is that you?
Little sad about my D grade. It’s like I’m being told that I am close to being a failure but just not quite good enough. I like to set goals and my goal is to be an F dammit. I need a super douche like Prime to help mentor me in terms of getting there.
Stick we are all Niner fans they all get an A in my book.
Stick,
Double post much? You get an F. LOL!!!
Hilarious
Way to stick that one :)
Grant,
if you are bored up in Seattle maybe you can tell us who this double poster is…..
Pretty amusing, Stick. Please ask Bay and Jordo to stop throwing spitballs from the back of the room!
Double Poster Stick man,
I never got a F in my life, but putting me in the same grade as DS, is BS. I demand a D or BS formerly kown as DS, needs a lower grade. Some of things DS has said, he would take Dilfer ahead of Fouts and Marino because he won a ring. Marino and Fouts are not elite QB’s and Alex Smith would of won multiple Super Bowls if he had Montana’s team of the 80′s. I give you a Fat F, for your failure in your grading skills. Also thank you for even naming me in this prestigious group.
Neal
Prestigious? Or notorious? LOL
B Tuna,
Lol, That is one of my favorite words, notorious. Yes please change my category from a proud F to notorious.
Stick – How about a bump up to A for my birthday. :) A Niner
victory would be better though.
Happy BD Crabby, looks like your trying to be the teacher pet. lol
Many happy returns Crab! A 9er victory would be icing on your cake.
Neal – Lol…..Thanks man, you too Tuna.
Hey Crabs15, Happy Birthday Bud!
Hope the 49ers add more joy to your big day!
Happy B-day Crabs!
Prime/AES – Thanks guys. Appreciate that!
Justin will be missed. However, Seattle is not as good as their last 3 games indicate and the Niners will beat them easily. Sure they beat Chicago, Arizona, and Buffalo, but that’s not saying much. Seattle was quite effective running the ball against AZ and Buffalo, but even without JS, the Niners have a better front 7 and are better coached. Look for SF to neutralize Seattle’s running game.
Flash flood warning for Petaluma. I’m safe up on Goat Hill, but I might need a kayak to go out to get some beer!
It’s really not that bad, just Willow Brook going over.
Looks like I picked a good time to get my wife down south. She arrived Friday and missed the worst of the weather. How’s the river looking? Really high?
Clem
Yeah it’s highest with the higher tides. It was brimful yesterday morning downtown. Willow Brook is overflowing on the north side near the Corn Maze and in Penngrove. You can still get your biscuits and gravy at HenneyPenney though.
Petaluma has done a fantastic job on the waterfront over the last decade. Hopefully there’s no damage.
Football crack (RedZone) is about to start. We need a new thread. Is Grant awake and shaved yet?
ms, since the ’94 SB lucky socks worked against the Pats, they’ve stayed on all week for this game. Who cares if I offend a little bit for the sake of the team, lol. Go 49ers!
You keep those stinky things on all day man!
Weather doesn’t look like it will be a factor. Looks like dry weather for most of the game. Temperature should be right around 39-41 deg…..
Is it just me or do the Jets look like they have completely quit?
The Patriots look like they’re still tired. Good thing the 49ers get a few extra hours of rest for tonight.
49ers need to take it to these upstarts from the get go. Beat them down, and confiscate their confidence.
In this week’s episode of “Little People, Big World” the 49ers smash Russel Wilson.
During 1/2 time their will be a midget tossing contest.
Midget lawn bowling at the half.
Alright, alright, dats nuff! I resemble those remarks!
Itz all gee braddah.
I’m not afraid to reach up and bop ya one in the kneecap! Kinda Yosemite Sam.
And yes, zall good. ; >)
Beautiful TD by Josh Morgan. Really wish the 49ers could have kept him.
Mofo Comcast is on the fritz in Tiburon
“Mofo Comcast” is redundant
I’m guessing you don’t have the proper l.o.s. for using a dish?
CFC
Got DirecTV at my place in the city but spending time with family here in Marin for the holidays. Will be headed to a buddy’s house or back to SF if this issue doesn’t resolve by 4pm. Not a good feeling, I tell you, not good at all.
CFC
You must be good luck. As I finished submitting that last comment to you, the TV came back on!
Woot, glad to save you a trip outside in this weather to find a sports bar.
Steve Corkran on Raiders blog? in the teams backpocket. He wont allow any Raider critical posts!..
The Raiders have Leinart following Palmer. It’s like they’re trying to recapture USC’s glory days.
Maybe they’ll grab Sanchez from the J-E-T-S and make it a trifecta.
J-E-T-S
Just
End
The
Suck
I thought Stalin passed with Al. It sounds like Josef is still in the building.
Wow,he posts “asks steve” type questions…the rest of us disgusted? he blocks those posts.
I bet he’s wearing a black shirt if not a Raider jersey.
I’ve heard him on radio..a jerk.
He’s been like that all year. When Carl Steward hosts?..its fun again.
OK, Justin Smith will likely be out, but it’s the next man up. RJF has to step up to the plate and perform.
No excuses, no whinning, just get it done!
That’s what my boss used to tell his employees who could only dream of making the kind of pay pro football players make.
Hey, some of you Seinfeld fans may have forgotten, today is a holiday!
http://www.festivusweb.com/
(lol)!
OK. Moose’s sweater is pretty awful, but Goose’s is hideous.
Via sfgate… Adam Schefter tweeted the 49ers are “hoping” Smith will be available for the postseason.
Could Justin could be out for the season? I hope it’s not like Payrs Haralson injury report… a season ending injury initially played up as a game to game situation.
He was updated to questionable and apparently that meant he’s questionable to play again this year, not sure how that works but /shrug.
With The Cowboy in the barn for 4 or 5 more weeks, RJFs’ time has come. In his mind, deep inside his heart, his desire to show what he can do has burned like an ember. 7th round pick? Time to show them all this free agent deserves to be paid like a 1st Round pick, and burn your adversary.
4-5 more weeks???? What?
Yep,we all know there is nothing to joke about when its about the Raiders.
Titans looked pretty good today.
They had the Packers right where they wanted them and then the game slipped away.
Minnesota will beat the packers next week. You watch!
Right up to the opening kick off It looked like the Titans had this one sewn up.
Romo with a 4th quarter comeback. According to this blog that means Romo is better than Marino, right?
According to little mind.
This aints and cowboy game is more living proof that when you take you’re foot off the pedal it always comes back to bite you in the a$$
Yep – Saints went into end the game mode and got stunned.
This feels appropriate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svqjijZHQrI
Fuggin Cowgirls, I hate them more then ever.
Uh oh, looks like Evil Eli has shown up to todays game, that does not bode well for me and my pick.
”
There was a little girl,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good,
She was very good indeed,
But when she was bad she was horrid.”
That little girl is Eli Manning.
Neal – Put on some loud Hendrix and take a shot of patron if you’re
bored…I provide solutions bro. :)
Thank for the tip Crabby, going to finish by Pete Townshend book, Who I am, only about 70 pages left. Saw The Who about 18 times, including MSG when they were all alive.
Neal – Eric Clapton rocks too! “Eyesight to the blind” from Tommy movie (awesome song) ….Roger Daltrey is spaced out here: Lol…….Go Niners! Yes I’ve been drinking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StS-QBd-_78
That was awesome Crabby, have not seen that clip in years.