There are two reasons why this game against the Arizona Cardinals matters deeply to the 49ers.
First, there are playoff implications. If the 49ers win, they’ll be 11-4-1. They’ll get the No.2 seed and a first-round Bye if the Packers lose to the Vikings. If the Packers beat the Vikings, the 49ers get the No.3 seed and they would not get a Bye. They would play the No.6 seed at Candlestick in the Wild Card round.
The No.6 seed could be one of four teams: The Vikings, the Bears, the Redskins or the Giants. If Minnesota beats the Packers, the Vikings are the No.6 seed. If they lose and Chicago beats the Lions, the Bears are the No.6 seed. If the Vikings and the Bears lose, and the Giants win, and the Redskins beat the Cowboys, then Giants are the No.6 seed. But if the Redskins lose to the Cowboys, and the Vikings, Bears and Giants all lose, then the Redskins are the No.6 seed.
If the 49ers lose to the Cardinals and the Seahawks beat the Rams (they’re playing in Seattle, so I’m guessing the Seahawks will win), the 49ers would be the No.5 seed and open the playoffs on the road against the winner of the NFC East – the Redskins or the Cowboys.
So, the 49ers need a win to help their playoff seeding. But they also need to win convincingly to regain their confidence.
The 49ers are in the middle of a complete tailspin. Ever since Justin Smith left the Patriots game in the third quarter, the 49ers have been outscored by 50 points. The defense hasn’t stopped running backs or pressured quarterbacks or beaten offenses on third down or in the red zone. There are six Pro Bowlers on the 49ers defense, but they’re shell shocked over the loss of Justin Smith.
The 49ers also need to prove that they can score on offense, too. They scored 13 points last week. They’ve scored 13 or fewer points five times this year. Their running game is slumping, their third down offense is slumping and their red zone offense is slumping. That’s a lot of slumping.
The 49ers are a boxer who’s been knocked down twice. He’s up on points in the 12th round but he’s wobbling in the corner. The 49ers need to shake it off and land a knockout punch on the Cardinals this Sunday. The 49ers need to prove to they still believe in themselves and they’re still a Super Bowl contender.
49ers RSS feed
Loading ...
Do the 49ers have the heart of Rocky Balboa or Glass Joe?
Rocky Marciano had been knocked down earlier in this fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRbIDR4VP2s
“In battle, the best troops are sometimes killed early, the people who pick up their rifles and take over win the battles. It’s the same in football, you have to be ready when your turn comes.”
Please do not reference war and sports. It is very offensive to us veterans who have served our country.
Thank you for your service.
Now crawl back to your desert craphole of Phoenix and get ready to lose again.
Bill Walsh apologizes…
>>Please do not reference war and sports. It is very offensive to us veterans who have served our country.
Lol. Football is NOTHING but war references. Who knew some of our country’s defenders were so thin-skinned.
Rib
No response to this is necessary. This person doesn’t speak for THIS veteran. Besides, would they have criticized the quote if they’d known it was Walsh? False sanctimony IMO.
He doesnt speak for this veteran either.
Lol. It was just a cardinal fan being a cardinal tool
I guess formations, long bombs, blitzes, trenches, neutral and red zones are out of the question too. Maybe for the Cardinals they are.
“I guess formations, long bombs, blitzes, trenches, neutral and red zones are out of the question too. Maybe for the Cardinals they are.”
C’mon Ribico – are you trying to make Larry Fitzgerald cry?
Rocky Marciano was undoubtedly one of the squared circle’s greatest champions. He first came to my attention when I was sitting next to my grandfather watching the famous film “Rocky.” I remember seeing the photo of Rocky Marciano on the character “Rocky Balboa’s” wall, and so I naturally asked my grandfather about him. He told me the stories of how Marciano was undefeated, a human steamroller with a granite chin, who would never stop coming forward. He often told me how he won a fight with his nose split in two, and how no man was ever the same afterwards. Since then, I became vaguely intrigued, and when I reached the more ‘mature’ age of eleven, I recalled my grandfather’s stories and started to delve deeply into the old books to find out more. I was not disappointed.
Rocky Marciano was an unstoppable force, a true ironman of the ring. An undefeated professional fighter, Rocky is one of the greatest champions of all time.
However, this is not just based on his impressive statistics – let’s take it a step further and look at Marciano in more detail.
Perhaps the thing Marciano is most noted for was his ability to knock a man flat with one punch. Rocky Marciano was an extremely hard puncher, and some old timers cling onto the belief that he hit harder than huge men such as Sonny Liston, George Foreman and Earnie Shavers. This I can understand, seeing the way Rocky reduced a several 200lb, world class athletes to quivering wrecks with his crunching fists. Jersey Joe Walcott was the most famous victim of Marciano’s dynamite punch, but there were others – Of his more famous victories, Joe Louis, Rex Layne and Harry Matthews were also dispatched by one or two savage punches. The right hand that knocked out Layne sheered his teeth off at the gums. Rocky even broke Roland LaStarza’s arms! LaStarza needed surgery to repair the chips and cracks on his elbows, and to repair his smashed blood vessels.
Marciano used to train on a custom made 300lb heavy bag – about three times what most heavyweight’s punchbags weigh. Rocky had to work harder to move the bag around – this is most probably how he developed so much punishing power.
However, Rocky had always showed a natural ability for punching. The first thing that caught trainer Charley Goldman’s eye, after Rocky knocked out an audition sparring partner, was his tremendous leverage. Even from the start, he was an extremely hard hitter, and probably a harder hitter back then at the dawn of his career than after 1952.
It was once claimed during tests in the 1960s, that Rocky’s right hand punch contained as much explosive energy as an armour piercing bullet.
Marciano was also terribly strong, especially for his size. Archie Moore claimed he “was far and away the strongest man I’ve encountered.”
Joe Louis said “it hurt to even bump into him.”
One of Marciano’s amateur opponents said “he was the hardest, most solid man I’ve ever seen.”
Rocky had all over body strength, and his muscles were compact and solid. His arms and legs were short and stocky, and he was very muscular. He was never wrestled about or put on the back foot by anybody, and always shoved people about in the clinches.
There’s one thing about Rocky that is quite unquestionable – he had amazing stamina. He would run all year round, keeping himself in shape. He would even run six or seven miles on Christmas morning! Before fights, he’d often up that to fifteen miles – much more than any other heavyweight did or does. So, no wonder he could fight all night long.
Rocky had a great workrate, often throwing ninety punches per round. He’d have some rounds where he’d throw one hundred and twenty shots! Experienced craftsmen and good boxers such as LaStarza, Charles and Moore, simply could not cope with Rocky’s onslaught. Archie Moore – “It was like fighting an airplane propeller.”
Most experts agree that Marciano was the best conditioned heavyweight of all time.
Marciano had an amazing chin. He was only floored twice in his career, and was rarely hurt. The two times he was dropped, were for a three and a two count, by two great punchers. Ring Magazine’s #4 All Time Great Puncher Archie Moore floored Rocky with a perfect right hand as Marciano came in, missing a punch, with one foot off the floor, and it landed right on the chin. But Rocky was up within two seconds and back fighting. Jersey Joe Walcott, also rated by the Ring as an all time great puncher, floored Rocky with one of his classic left hooks, but was surprised to see that when he turned around, Marciano was staring straight back at him, on his feet. Rocky roared; “I’ll get you, you son of a bitch!”
The 6’4″ 220lbs Carmine Vingo, a good prospect with a dynamite punch, staggered Rocky a couple of times, but never managed to put him down. It was a great slugfest, and Rocky fought back hard – in the sixth round Vingo was put into a coma, courtesy of a savage left hook to the jaw.
Rocky’s awkwardness was actually one of Marciano’s strengths. Many found his unorthodox way of fighting very difficult to cope with – even masters of the game like Louis, Walcott, Charles and Moore all found it hard to land a clean shot on Rocky. He was just so slippery. With underrated defensive abilities, Rocky would slip the jab and get inside, weaving and ducking, throwing hard punches from all sorts of inconceivable angles. He was a very hard man to fight.
Perhaps Rocky’s greatest attribute was the mental side of it. He had an amazing heart, able to cope with any situation and turn it around, never discouraged. Floored, cut and beaten up by Walcott, with his eyes stinging, Rocky fought through round ten of their first clash like a true warrior and ended up winning the title. He was determined to kick your ass. Sometimes, one gets the impression he could never be beaten.
While perhaps not one of Rocky’s strengths, his defence was certainly not ‘bad’, as some so-called historians would like to point out. No, Marciano’s defence was not bad at all, and it often made for a very difficult fight. He’d come in inch-by-inch, leaning backwards and slightly to the right (away from right leads), gloves high and chin down. The whole point of this was to make himself a smaller target. Once inside, Rocky was a real terror. He would constantly be moving his head, up and down, rolling around, side to side, backwards and forwards, and he’d come in with hard punches from all kinds of inconceivable angles, possibly the most hazardous being the left uppercut which is somehow overlooked. Many men, including great craftsmen, commented on how hard Marciano was to nail with a clean shot. If accomplished masters of the game such as Charles, Walcott, Moore, Louis and LaStarza are saying this, I think we should take their word for it.
Rocky was a destroyer, he ruined people. None of his opponents, bar Moore, were ever the same again. He beat them up, rearranged their bone structure and knocked them out. He was perhaps the most devastating and destructive champion of all time.
Each member of this 49er defensive unit needs to channel their inner Rocky Marciano mentality and bring it to the football field.
Whew Razor! THAT got you going! LOL.
My Dad’s Marciano story:
I don’t know the year or the opponent, but Dad and a couple of friends took the train from Philly to Chicago for a championship bout. They had floor seats on folding chairs. When the fight started everybody stood on the chairs to see. (Once people in front of you do, then you have to). Dad’s overcoat got stuck in the chair hinge, so he got down to free it and got back up in time to hear: “Nine! Ten! You’re out!” he never saw a punch thrown! Marciano in a 1st Round KO.
Razoreater,
Thanks for the Marciano stories. He came well before my time, but his legend as perhaps boxing’s last great fighter still continues till this day.
I’m not much of a boxing fan these day’s because it has become an explotation sport with too many ‘dirty hands’ involved in the mix.
Muhammad Ali was my last boxing hero and when he retired (or got knocked into retirement) I started losing interest in the sport.
The top boxing matches that I remember are Marvelous Hagler knocking out Tommy Hearns, and Buster Douglas doing the impossible by knocking out Mike Tyson.
The one fight that might have brought boxing back to the forefront would have been Pacquiao vs Merriweather. That one went down the drain just recently when Pacquiao got knocked out.
Looks like boxing has gone the way of the sony walkman; left in the last century.
That was perhaps the best post ever. Thank You sir!
Razor – Thanks for the great Rocky Marciano post! I agree, Niner D needs to channel their inner Rocky Marciano mentality and bring it to the football field. My dad’s 79 yrs old and he stills brags that Marciano was the best heavyweight ever.
Did you ever see the Marciano vs Ali computer fight? It was actually shown in movie theaters about 40 years ago. Check youtube, Marciano knocked out Ali late in the fight.
My most prized memoribilia is a letter written and signed by Marciano.
I spent $300 for it on ebay in 1996. It’s worth about $1,500 now, I bought it for my dad but he wouldn’t accept it. I will give it to my kids later.
Go Niners and Go Vikes!!
@Mr. Crabs, no I’ve never seen the computer fight. That’s a great treasure you have there. I’d keep that in the family forever.
The 9ers should handle this game. Are they a SB contender? Absolutely. Any team that makes the playoffs has a chance. Some more than others.
It would help if ariz’s avg age was about 65 yrs old like jersey Joe’s
Every game matters in the NFL, and most matter in multiple ways – not just winning or losing, but staying away from the injury bug, as i’ve often noted here.
But some games matter more than others. I think we’ll win, but if we dont, or if we end up with the #3 seed anyway, playing at home in the first week of the playoffs might be just what this team needs. Whatever this team has to prove, they can prove it then just as well as today or the 2nd round of the playoffs.
No one ever said this would be easy. It never is.
Don’t you think they need to stop this Justin-Smith tailspin before the playoffs?
Fesnyc… Well said. Name me the last Superbowl winner that had a perfect or near perfect season. Most that live out in nor cal or who follow the giants should know championships don’t come easy.
The panic button is about to wear out! It’s been pushed numerous times this season.
I’ll jump in on this one MD (lol). Miami was the last team to win a SB with a perfect season in 1972.
They won more than half of their games with Earl Morral taking over for Bob Griese when BG went down with a broken ankle in about the 5th game of the season. Griese did make it back for the playoffs and the SB, but E.Morral did a good job guiding the offense while the No-Name defense did the rest.
RJF is going to have to hold down the fort while J.Smith is out. I believe that he will do a good job until we get Cowboy back. If JS can’t finish the season, RJF will be the next man up!
Well said MD. This is not a ‘complete tailspin’ like Grant stated. If the Niners get on a roll starting tomorrow, their odds of winning a Super Bowl will be as good as any other team.
The Niners will win this game, but most likely they are the #3 seed unless the Vikings pull off a shocker. If things go as I think they will, the Bears will be at the Stick next week with a trip to Lambeau for the Niners if they win.
I disagree on they have to win big for confidence purposes. I think they just need to win. The only problem I see with this team this season is consistency win two lose one. Beating the crap out of the cards isn’t going to bring instant consistency. Even with J Smith in the second half of the NE game, wouldn’t have mattered. The Pats took advantage of a defense that relaxed. This team looks tired. After two games. A bye week is much needed they get that bye week and their chances are going to be greater at getting to the Superbowl.
They need to also stop reading the rankings. Everytime they are ranked the best team in the nfl they lay an egg. I really think that loss was the eye opener the coaches and players needed! Game over from here on out. The 49ers who beat GB, NYJ, BUFF, NO, CHI, and NE will be filling in the rest of the way for the team that lost last week, and against MINN and NY. Ill put my money on the team that won more of those games.
I don’t buy “this team looks tired” analogy. GB and SEA have begun to peak and there should be no reason other teams shouldn’t be peaking just in time for the playoffs. The 9ers should win tomorrow and anything can happen once in the playoffs.
You wont win a game in the playoffs with the injuries and a QB who looks lost in the woods when the noise amps up. Too bad so sad for the whiniest fan base in all of football.
@Hofe
I think the team was tired and emotionally spent last week, not that that’s an excuse. It shouldn’t need to carry over. And yep, once you make the big dance……….
On another note, Bro, I came across some pricey but outstanding Bordeaux styles. 2006 “Fortis” by Sinskey and an 07 Howell Mountain Cab by Pine Ridge. Both The Bomb!
PS. I drank my best “Save” Pinot the night before the Mayan deal. I didn’t really believe the world would end, but you know, just in case! :>)
The Cardinals won’t win a game in the playoffs because they won’t be there. Too bad, so sad, for the Bidwells’ fan base of his little beotches. Wonder how long before he leaves Phoenix high and dry like he did St. Louis?
But we were not suppose to. The niners were expected to win it all and then your know it all coach blew it up by going to a rookie QB. Notice how things went sideways after that, coincidence……NOT>>>>>
Yeah Cardsfan, YOU feel sorry for US. Bwahahahahahaha. Your team and your owner are Losers and the best you can do is Troll another site because you can’t find anyone at home to play with amongst the Paleolithic population base in your State.
What’s next for you guys? Tebow? Maybe Vince Young? You don’t have the sense to be embarrassed by your own idiocy. Keep pounding that keyboard, it’s amusing in a pathetic kind of way.
Cards Fan
We might loose or we might win. but next year we wont be picking our starting QB from the clearance rack at target. As for the whiniest fan base: lets break that down/ Base=implies that there is more than one of us, ussually when a team plays a “home” game it is expected to have more fans in the stands than the opposition.
Whining= implies that expectations wern’s met.
Imagine if u will showing up to a stadium with chanting cards fans and a competent team and then actually winning. Its kind of like that except backwards
We will gladly take Alex Smith. All he does is win in our diviso. We also have a better defense. We just need a QB, coach, and 2 offensive lineman. What team in the NFC West is on the decline, not the rams, not Seahawks, not us cause we are at the bottom already, so that leaves, the wine and cheese fans of the brokest state in the US-the SF forty criers.
Cards Fan,
Who is going to be the new coach?
Notice how everything went sideways for the Cardinals in 1947? YOU ARE NEVER “SUPPOSED” TO BE THERE!
Anyone who remembers a Cardinals championship is a senior citizen today.
Now, THAT is pathetic.
Chip Kelly, Mike McCoy or possibly Jon Gruden.
Grant is Cardinal fan one of the smithers? DS perhaps?
Brotha, please send me all of your suggestions – I love Sinskey. BTW, I had an JP Insignia (2008) with my prime rib for Christmas dinner. Outstanding.
McCoy and Smith could make a good combination.
Cardinal Fan is Prime Time. He is every single double poster, Smither, hater basher on here!
Yeah, I think CardinalPrime is responsible for Hurricane Sandy as well as the fires that imparted smokey flavors to all that Mendo wine in 2008.
Dang it Prime!
Don’t forget the National debt, unemployment rates and the NHL lockout. Prime is a menace to society.
A qb that looks lost in the woods? The same qb that shredded NE and Chi and beat Bree’s? The same one who has matched and outplayed the qb before hand? Ds get lost!
Prime Axel Randy,
Don’t try to compliment yourself saying your the Cards fan, he is way to intelligent then you are, he does not insult 99% of the partipants on here including Grant, he has also served our Country, the only thing you have served is serving Whoppers where Kids are King.
Can you explain the third game than Hoff? You don’t think they looked tired and one step behind last Sunday? Or against the Rams twice? How is it they can roll good teams for two games and look like crap in the third game?
Ha! I dunno, the NHL Lockout might be a public service!
Does anyone really believe this is some random cardinal fan on here? It’s funny because this cardinal fan sounds a lot like a bitter smither. You sure do know a lot about our team cardinal aka ds! You’re a joke. And anyone that believes this is some new arz fan needs help.
Ds has already made the switch to smiths next destination. Whining fans? 4ocriers???? Sounds like another name for “wuss boy” aka ds’s go to line! Truly pathetic!
I think it might be a individual Cards fan, not oneweiner or Prime Axel, who can’t do a post without a insult, sounds legit to me.
And then there was football talk.
So any predictions on Mooch? Anyone think he does go to San Diego? Anywhere? Sounds like there’s some talk out there about him being interested in coaching again. Seems like Detroit would have cured him of that but who knows.
Neal you are one bitter boy!
Adam, good timing.
I think JGruden will end up in SD. Regarding Mooch, who knows. Usually when a coach is inserting themselves into a situation, they don’t become a premium hire.
LMAO Prime Randy Axel.
Your the one that is bitter that life has made you a failure and your behavior on this blog shows you have zero dignity and integrity. Cry Baby Slime crying to a 23 year old Grant and trying to get back on this blog.
Seems like, from what I read anyway, he’s handling it well. Basically “no comment, Norv is a friend of mine and a sitting coach,” etc.
The speculation and rumor mill must be hard on a sitting coach. Norv seems well-respected as an OC so I imagine he’ll land on his feet somewhere if San Diego cuts him loose.
You figure Gruden is ready to get back in the mix? I’ve wondered that a couple times but he always seems comfortable in the booth.
It will be interesting to see if Gruden really want the Charger’s job, it would be great to see the Raider Charger games after that. Mooch was not so hot in Detroit but he worked for the worst GM in the history of sports.
Neal thank you for trying to summarize my life. The funny thing about all this is you care what I say when in reality it’s all just a joke on my end. You take everything I say so serious and to heart. Poor guy!
JGruden does well with established QBs. He could turn SD around in a heart beat. Regarding Mooch, what I read is he was interested in the SD job and then now he has shot that down. Hmm.
Gruden can coach, but would he want to work for AJ Smith? That’s why, if Smith stays in SD, that they wouldn’t be in the running for Cowher; he’d want some control over personnel.
Besides the college guys, who I don’t know well, I think the best prospects are Cowher & Grudin.
Cowher would probably prefer to stay east, maybe Philly if they offer enough control?
Grudin might not want to work for an Aho after living that experience with Owner/GM Al Davis, so IMO not Dallas or SD (AJS) or Jets (if Tannenboob stays).
Mooch? Yeah, maybe.
Mancini? Yeah, probably.
How about Rob Ryan? You guys see him going anywhere?
I saw that PFT reported Andy Reid is eying the San Diego job.
Interesting.
Could be a big offseason for coaching changes.
Prime Randy,
Everything I say to you is a joke, I have never ever been angry at you, your just a sad character who had to cry to a 23 year old kid about getting back on this blog, so far you have made fun of Clemons wife illness, that shows alot of maturity, made fun of Bays saying he is a 60 year old, and calling Bays team girl athlethes that shows alot of maturity, calling Grant a liar, that shows alot of maturity and insulting 99% of the people on here, that shows alot of maturity. If you had a ounce of self confidence and a ounce of dignity and integrity you would of been gone by now, but looks like you got a zero social life. The last thing I want to do is to think another second about a Smither, at least you will be long gone, when the niners win Super bowls and you will be Alex Smith assistant in the CFL.
I’d take JG over AR at SD. JG has been away long enough to be very hungry. If they were to talk to JG, he could let them know if he could work with the GM or not. It wouldn’t be a showstopper. I could also see JG in AZ. It’s all negotiations and the owner has turned most of the operation over to his sons to run.
Regarding RR, it’s so tiresome seeing Dallas play and the camera panning RR. Overrated.
Neal you know why you take this serious and I don’t? I come up with different jokes, you say the samething/insults over and over again. That’s because you are angry, frustrated and take it to heart.
You need a timeout or truly understand that this is all for nothing.
Your laughable Prime, must be pathletic that a grown man had to cry his way back on tho this site. Did your Mommy get you a therapist for Christmas, so you can build back your self esteem, and become a man with dignity and integrity? LOL
Prime Randy,
If this was all for nothing why did you have several hundred tantrums on getting back on here?
Dude why do you need two entries to reply? Cause I’m in your kitchen making all sorts of stuff. If this were basketball you would have fouled out at the jump ball!
Now my mission is done with you. It’s best we don’t communicate any further. Im done embarrassing you.
Prime,
You have embarrassed yourself in this entire community, you really need help, your in a 100% denial mode.
Typical annoying salesman, never can let it go.
Prime find one person on this blig that enjoys or even tokerates your posts. You cant cause BS is gone .
Bay you and Neal act like I care what people think of me. It’s a blog, none of this is real or a popularity contest.
Unlike you too salesman, I’m not here to network or make friends so I think it’s funny you ask me that question.
One thing in all of this that is funny, is that my comments make you squirm based on your replys. I’m joking but it’s funny that words get you kids so angry. Just imagine if this was real life, you two and 23 would have been committed years ago!
Prime Axel Randy,
How do you live with yourself? Your a gutless cry baby that squirmed and had 200 tantrums with Grant to get you back on here. What are you 40 or 50 years old crying to Grant who is 23 years old, you are so desperate. Let’s face facts you can’t without this blog, because you have absolutley no life, and your not even a 9er fan.
Neal if you stop scratching it won’t itch as much.
Up to ten head coaching changes this year. Black Monday is going to be interesting.
You don’t have to be in sales to annoy people, you do it quite well sitting on your ass on your borrowed computer. lol
So I do annoy you. Case closed.
lol I do annoy you, and that makes me feel real good, although your not much competition, and it is so easy to get a reaction from you, what a clown. Did you have to write on the chalk board 1000 times to Grant, that I will not make fun of Clem ill wife?
Prime +1
Grant,
Lets hope it’s Emile Griffith vs Paret fight # 1 and not fight # 2 !
I think you are putting to much of the blame for our poor play as of late on Justin Smith. It’s something else. The biggest concern I have going into the playoffs is with the offense. We now have L. James, AJ Jenkins and and Colin K. all who have little or no real NFL game experience and zero playoff experience trying to lead us to the promised land. Losing Alex, Mario, Williams, and Hunter all to injuries for the remaining games will be next to impossible to overcome. I’m more interested in the Arizona game because (other than VD) that’s game is going to show us if we have enough skill players or weapons left to score touchdowns anymore. Right now I can say I trust what Gore can do and what Crabtree can do and that’s about it.
You stinking nudniks. Even I voted that the 49ers WILL WIN the Stuper Bowl.
Why go to the playoffs if they aren’t?
68% traitors…
Whoa Stan. Sounds like you need a little something to take the edge off your ‘tude, dude. Prayer? Meditation? Prozac? Ganga? Vodka? Sleep and exercise?
Where’s Happy Stan?
I’m still trying to figure out what a nudnik is.
A persistently full, boring pest.
Did you google it or you’re fluent in Yiddish? :P
I freely admit that I had to google it. But I like it! Props to Stan.
I always love it when somebody comes in and tries to tell others what the meaning of being a fan is. I’ve watched this team religiously for more than 30 years, live and die with every play and put far too much time and attention into following every piece of news that comes out about them.
I’m also a realist who has watched this team play poorly every 3rd game, watched the defense completely collapse for the past 6 quarters while injuries continue depleting the depth of this team. If we are predicting based on blind faith and nothing else, then sure you can predict a SB victory for this team. If we are predicting using logic and common sense then a SB prediction is a big time reach right now. Doesn’t mean they can’t do it. It just means it’s not a solid bet based on the facts at hand. I’m sure we all will be hoping for one though and that is what constitutes a fan in my book.
Rocket, I agree. The latest “what is a 9er fan” is not talking about the former starting QB. LMAO
It’s insecurity Hof. Kap hasn’t come in and lit up the scoreboard or made the offense an explosive powerhouse like the Smithnot’s were hoping he would and now the ego’s kick in. Kap is playing pretty well overall and he certainly wasn’t the reason they lost last week, but with the offense looking the same as it did under Smith for the most part, the second guessing begins,the pride gets hurt and all of a sudden it’s the anti Smith’s in defense mode. Quite a fascinating psychological study actually.
Yup. I mentioned the team rankings on offense have dropped the first half of the year versus the last 7 games in 8 categories. More the overall playcalling than the QB change, but they haven’t been as consistent and time of possession and third down conversions have dropped which hasn’t helped the defense.
Right rocket and Hof… Because I can’t wait if they don’t win for the Alex Smith woulda shoulda coulda talk to start. So what’s a real fan on this blog? Whether you back Alex smith or CK? I think so.
Real fans have string opinions on players, coaches and front office
Real fans get upset when the team isn’t winning.
Real fans celebrate wins
Real fans back their teams no matter the record
So I guess were all real fans
Rocket +1 – it is “quite a fascinating psychological study actually.”
ninermd is a perfect patient of the study. The insecurity he projects and defensive minded responses makes it clear to see.
The passive-aggressive attacks from the Smither crew are quite amusing.
Alex has had 8 years of excuses. He’s failed again. His 5th benching will likely be his last.
A raw, red-shirted freshman is performing at essentially the same level as the 8th year vet. That doesn’t imply that CK7 is good – it just shows how bad Alex has been.
The Precious simply isn’t very precious.
Clemons
Its a fair statement. Those who clammored/advocated for the switch to CK justified it by promising explosive offense/not just a game manager. The eplosive offense hasn’t happened and so far CK is playing like a game manager.
So is it wrong to question why u would exchange one game manager (AS who is a great game manager as seen in his numbers) with another less experienced game manager (who throws deep but is not as versed in the O due to less experience) in the midst of a playoff run?
I understand u hate AS and its an easy answer for you (U make the switch so ur QB isnt alex) but for some of us its not as clear as to why?
I fully understand CK is the future and AM NOT CALLING for AS to be the starter next year (before u desmiss me as a smither and thus ignore my argument) Im meerly sugesting that it was a questionable move
@BOS I was actually surprised by the move when it was made. I thought Harbaugh would stick with his “elite, pro-bowl” quarterback.
Now that the move has been made it’s fairly obvious that CK7′s floor is about the same height as Alex’s ceiling. May as well go with the young guy that has some potential. Why waste more time and reps on the bust?
Lemons
Its because while their celeings and floors might be close (if that makes sense, i know it does to me) FOR THIS YEAR ALONE AS seems like a better fit in the playoffs because as everyone on here agrees WE are a RUNNING team and need the QB who will minimize mistakes and get us out of bad plays into good ones. With our potent Rungame and D we dont need a QB to be heroic/win games we just need him not to loose them.
But going forward I agree that Ck’s floor is close to AS celeing though I havnt seen a 18/19 near perfect game from Kaep yet
Really. Who in the hell is Techie? Another new moron or one of the same old Smithers with a new name. Because they got booted. Again there isn’t a bigger 49er fan on this sight than me. ;-)
Msc…… Elite qb’s don’t get benched. That’s just flat out Hof type facts. And that’s the truth that is finally hitting some of these Smithers. But hey what do I know about being a 49er fan. Wheeeew!
MD, we didn’t call AS elite JH did. He said he was a pro bowl player. He said he knew the offense better than him. He said we go with the hot feet er I mean hand. Not us.
Adam, would you prefer nogoodnik? Yutz? Noodge? All abound here to some degree :)
MD – before you start dealing out claims like that, remember: one of the GOAT’s was traded which would be worse to me than being benched…I’ll leave it to you to guess who I’m talking about.
I’m fluent in Moe,Larry,and Curly. With some B. Bunny speak.
No wonder that you are the most lucid individual on this forum, Stan! I actually understand you and now I know why.
Stan is a GENIUS!!
If the dogone offense will perform take some pressure off the defense we will have zero problems. Offense just like in years past needs to make some first downs and control the ball. The offense failed in the second half of the Pats game during their run, not one first down during that time. The offense didnt do crap in the Hawks game. The offense needs to perform and right now they dont seem to know what they are doing or where they are going. This game and playoff games will determine how far the Niners go, it will be on the offense from here on out. I do think the offense will come out of its discombulated shell and score 30 plus and the defense wont allow a point. The defense will be stellar in tomorrows game.
Under,
We need Alex! Lol
Jordo
We just need the offense to wake up and play ball. It has to start with Roman, who I am begining to have doubts about his ability to call plays that are conducive to the offenses success. The time of possesion is going to be the stat that I will be looking at tomorrow and into the playoffs.
It’s been the same problem for the past two years. The offense goes dormant, can’t stay on the field and the defense gets gassed.
When Roman gets pass happy the offense falls apart. The 49ers just don’t have a QB that can put together a drive on a consistent basis through the air. Kaep may have some upside but right now he doesn’t look any better than the 8 year wonder. He’s had seven weeks of starter’s reps in practice – if he’s really a good QB you’d think he’d be able to outperform Alex by now. It’s not like he’s replacing a great QB.
Msc,
If you don’t think Kap has outperformed Smith then you’ve not been watching the games. Everyone on this blog knows Kap has played better than Smith ever has. There is no question in my mind or anyone that is objectively looking at the both of them. Kap has outperformed Smith by simply doing things Smith can’t and never will do. look at the film.
@Jordo, I think he’s been marginally better than Smith but that really isn’t saying much.
After nearly a decade QB is still the weak link on this team.
Both QBs have won, but only when the defense, ST and running game click.
When you’ve got good field position, and the other team by the throat, it becomes much easier to win. Especially with the Harbaugh-Roman offense, with conservative play calling interspersed with somewhat inappropriate short bursts of giddy pass-happiness.
Kaep at least is just starting out, and his floor is about where Alex’s ceiling was. That gives us some hope that next year and beyond could be better.
Thanks Grumpy – you phrased my feelings better than I did.
Maybe I need to take a refresher course in writing.
CK essentially has this game to pad his stats.
If he doesn’t, then what?
I mean essentially CK’s numbers operating the offense are actually lower (except for one) than Smith’s.
We have the dumbest fans. Smith gets 8 years and two under Harbaugh of playing experience.
Kaep gets 6 games aand there are actually morons that dont account for the fact that he is goi g through growing pains while performing very well. Hes got a winning record while his running game, kicker and defense have under performed. Get a life. Hes ours for a while.
Are any of you old enough to remember the NO-SF playoff-game on 1/14/11? The SF-QB, with 4:11 to go, led SF TWICE to come back from behind!!!
When did Kap perform like that?
We all knew that CK was JH’s guy, but we thought the competition would start in 2013. The timing is the issue especially with the rankings on offense trending down since the 1st half of the year and the last 7 games. Tomorrow I’m looking for the 9er offense to pad their stats as well.
Bay
While we need CK for a while we need him even more during theese playoffs. No one on here is saying AS is a better long term prospect just possibly a better option in the playoffs. The fact that CK will be dynamite in year 4 is great but we need CK to play better NOW (at least better that AS would have played) This is like a MLB trade where u trade pitching prospects(CK) for proven bulpen help(AS). Sure in 3 years the prospect will be a starter but right now during the pennant race he isnt as good as the bulpen guy and u need to win now, not in 3 years
You Smithers just can’t let go, Alex Smith is irrelevant. Are all of you still in depression for breaking up with your High School sweet heart, 25 or 30 years later.
Neal
If our HS sweetheart turned out to be Miss USA and the one we dumped her for gained 150 lbs and looks like John Goodman than YES. If we ultimately picked the right girl than NO. Stay tuned to the playoffs to see wich one we ended up with
BOS,
I look at Kaep as a long term investment and win or lose, I am not going to have tunnel vision and live in the moment saying JH made a good choice or a bad choice, it was not like that AS is a Pro-Bowl QB, he has many flaws and it seems fans forget that he played 4 miserable games this year, no way AS could of help win the Pats game, no freaking way, Kaep threw 4 touchdowns in one game, the great AS has never ever done that in 77 games. They have other concerns then the QB position as they have been hit hard in the injury category. Also AS was the last girl taken at the prom, we were just stuck with mediocre play at best. next season he will be a temporary solution for another team, for a year or two, until he is replaced. I can see him on 3 or 4 teams before he decides to hang it up, just will go down as a journeyman.
Neal
U could end up being right, but its just as likely that Kaep (despite all his potential) winds up being the journeyman. Remember Derek Anderson’s pro Bowl season (07)? he parlayed it in to a contract extension and thats about it, what about Fitzpatrik and his hot start?
We could of had both Ck’s potential and AS’s steadines for this years run but Oh well dead horse
Incidently, I have a friend who is a die hard Vikes fan and he told me repeatedly (when I would bitch about AS’s shortcomings) that he would give his right arm to have AS on the vikes. I try to tell him all the frustration that goes with it but he is convinced. How much better would u (as a 9ers fan) feel if Min had AS at qb today vs the Pack as opposed to Ponder?
Neal, yes CK is a work in progress and a long term investment. We’ll have to evaluate the yield on that return every year. Regarding the 4 TDs in a game, that is trivial compared to the team rankings which have gone south in 8 categories during the last 7 games. Consistency and rhythm have been up and down. Time of possession and third down conversions have dropped. Yes he is a work in progress. But hey, in the playoffs anyone can win. Go 9ers.
Haha BOS – no matter how much I’ve been aggravated by Alex over the years at least I’ve never had to endure the circus that the Jets have rolled out at the quarterback position.
I actually think Ponder might develop into a decent QB – he shredded the 49ers. I don’t watch a lot of Vikings games though.
I have not watched any Viking games since Ponder had his way with the Niners. Is he really that bad?
BOS,
If JH made AS into somewhat serviceable QB, he will make CK into a rock star with the kid’s hard work and talent will go a long way. Can you imagine CK in 2 or 3 seasons he will be so much better.
I didnt think so but anytime someone is willing to give up apendages for AS it makes me wonder. He sure looked good against us week 3
Neal
I hope so, but u know what they say. “potential gets coaches fired”
I heard that the USA offered to trade Arizona to Mexico for a couple of AA Pitching prospects, but the government of Guatamala protested the plan to the UN. Guatemalans feared a wave of illegal immigration from Mexico as the population tried to get as far away from Phoenix as possible.
Maybe we could toss in Texas and Louisiana?
Why Texas, it is booming economically right now. It also is the headquarters for some of the most successful software and tech companies. Austin specifically is a bastion of American ingenuity and economic success. As a state I hate Texas but the business climate economy and laws for the state are pretty amazing, if all that was in another state I would probably move there. California is the worst run state in the Union hands down, it has alot of potential and alot going for it, but somehow the states administration has managed to F it up.
@b4huxley I started to answer and then realized my answer would be overly political.
Suffice it to say, I have zero respect for political groups who talk about secession after they lose an election.
Msc… Zing! Lol
@b4hux
Isn’t Austin a separate country from Texas? Like The Vatican is separate from Italy?
@Brotha after Texas secedes from the US maybe Austin will secede from Texas.
Congrats to Anthony Davis on the Bobb McKittrick award! Youngest lineman to win it.
Sounds like Davis is starting to mature and play up to expectations.
Next year, the Pro Bowl! And not as an alternate.
I said he’d make the Pro Bowl this year. Some on here laughed. Guess the jokes on me. He started out strong, but became inconsistent. Next year should be his year.
The guy is only 22. He’s improved every season and is on the cusp of being a regular at the Probowl. Patience has to be shown toward young players and Davis is starting to reward the patience they’ve shown him.
So being a douchebag on Twitter gets a player the McKittrick award? The award named after the toughest SOB that ever worked in San Francisco goes to the kid that whined, cried, bitched and moaned about a blog post?
Whatever. This should have gone to Iupati and Boone.
MSC,
Based on what you your comments on this blog, I would imagine that you would do far, far worse than Davis if you were 22 again.
Hello pot, this is the kettle…….
Should’ve read, “Based on your comments on this blog…..”
I loved how he man handled/mauled/abused the seattle player last game. He definitely is not a squealer.
What’s up with Vernon? From what he is saying it sounds like he is almost scared to play Sunday. I thought the advantage of the concussion is you can’t remember the hit. I guess he shouldn’t of watched it on TV.
VD is everything…strong, fast, an athletic freak…maybe tough or determined is not one of them. I wonder if he’s miffed at not being involved in the offense lately and has started questioning if the extra effort and pain is worth the return if only a couple balls per game are going to come his way anymore. Vernon has fallen hard since the glory he was basking in from last year’s stellar playoff run and all the accolades he was getting (even over Gronk & Graham) at the beginning of the season. I never thought I would say he needs to have an attitude more like Randy Moss has had this season. Plus, Roman (our resident evil-genius) couldn’t get a few more targets to go VD’s way? Suddenly Vernon was our decoy and helping every else to get open? I thought Moss was our decoy…heck everyone but Crabtree and Gore are decoys in this offense and even last week Gore became one. Six carries? Roman has to understand the huge need to keep feeding the play-makers. Otherwise, their effort and enthusiasm drops from lack of involvement. Petey of Seattle, I hate to admit, might of been right the other day when he said our offense was one of the slowest, most methodical he has ever been witness to. The Patriots can rip off 90 plays, almost double what the 49e’s play production was…and that’s why everyone in their offense seems to remain happy and jovial this Christmas Season.
God forbid we might have to go no-huddle in this year. Have we ever done that before? That would be scary. I got a thought…maybe we should practice it some against the Cardinals tomorrow, experiment a little…but to Roman the thought of falling behind to the Cardinals early would be a nightmare…the game plan could fall to pieces. To me that’s our biggest problem – the Niner’s adjustments on offense during the game . Roman struggles if suddenly he falls into the role of being “dictated” to rather than being the “dictator”.
And if we haven’t figured out by now how to get the play in and the team up to the line of scrimmage with only but a few seconds left on the play clock, I doubt it can be fixed at this point in the season….again that’s why I feel this game is so important. For the most part to show whether or not the coaching staff is capable of fixing these re-occurring problems on offense.
Other than that though I’m 100 percent confident in this teams ability to get to the Superbowl.
http://ninerchatter.blogspot.com/2012/12/5-burning-questions-and-week-17.html?m=1
Jack it’s funny that you don’t ask the real burning question, how does CK rebound from a dismal performance against the Seahawks. The spotlight is clearly on him to answer the bell and lead this offense. Remember that Alex was almost perfect against at the time a very hungry Cards team looking to make a statement at home within the division.
Now CK gets his chance at home against either a team that has given up or is playing for their jobs. An as you mentioned against a pretty good defense. This is a burning question no doubt!
Primescum how did AS rebound after hus aweful game against the Vikings? How did AS rebound after his dismal against the Giants? How did AS rebound after his crap game against the Seahawks? All worse games than CK’s worst game.
At least Alex could run the plays instead of audibling into timeouts or delay of game penalties Grandpa!
You mean used to primescum. Hes the backup now. Wont be a niner next year.
That does not solve our current problem with our QB who looks rattled and a deer in headlights with a little adversity. Remember the defense saved him in NO and NE? When we needed him to come up big in SEA he wet himself, or was that just the rain?
How stupid are you primescum? CK threw 4 td’s in NE and the defense saved him? Idiot.
Prime,
It was particularly intereting how you turtled for a week after the NE win, only to resurface after a loss. Hmmmm
Prime Slime,
The defense won the Patriots game, what a dufuse you are, yea the defense gave up 40 zillions points, Kaep and Crabs won the game.
PrimeSlum,
Who cares if someone is 20 or 80 yrs old? what manners is that we are Niners fans as for you, your clearly not.
Turtled? Try vacation. You might need one Jack.
Prumescum seems you take a vacation after every goid game CK has…..
Wish you took a permanent vacation..
Jack is that really your comeback or was that a mistake?
He started off with a legit football question and your response was “he turtled off”.
He never asked a question….
Nice article. Although I think a 4th string QB will have a hard time even with the struggles we have on defense.
I hope CK finds some rhythm. He’s been up and down since the Bears game. This game is a springboard to the playoffs, regardless of seeding. The Niners needs to go back to the run because they are out of able body WRs.
Great Job Grant breaking down all the scenarios! I saw on the nfl website that Nevada’s HC might be coming to the nfl ranks. Does this mean we’re rid of Greg Roman now?
One of the biggest reason to win against Arizona is that at some point in the playoffs we may have to face Seattle. And I’d much rather do that here than in that sound chamber up north that unsettled Kap last week.
Dont you mean unsettled our defense?
No he said QB. Can’t hide inexperience and it showed. You cannot deny the fact the kid is not ready for the bright lights.
Defense can only do so much. Kap had ample opportunity to show some leadership and he didn’t.
Primescumpocketpoolchamp,
Didnt you say you are here to support your teams QB. Oh wait you are not a Niner fan i forgot.
I’m here to support the 49ers, not idiotic coaching moves midway through a winning season that results in an offense trying to redefine itself in week 17!
Call names all you want, the fact remains the switch has killed our season!
Prime scum,
The quarterback move made great sense playing Chicago, New Orleans and New England, matter of fact Kaep threw 4 touch down passes that game, something your boyfriend has never done in 77 games. Killed our season, we will division champs after tomorrow. Your not a 49er fan, your AS fan, which stands for ass snifer, which you do well.
Seattle is supposedly the loudest stadium in the NFL, maybe the most difficult place to play. The sound affects a visiting offense much more than the defense, obviously. Kap had trouble getting the plays off in time the previous week, and it was just as bad in Seattle. I think part of that’s related to how fast they get the plays in to Kap, but part of it was because he’s a little slow getting organized at the line, made worse by the noise.
All you guys who think changing from Alex to Colin was a terrible mistake, and those who thinks it was obviously the right move – neither of you know. You’re just guessing. You, me, Harbaugh – we’re just guessing. It could still work out great. Or not. We won’t know until the playoffs. Kap more physical tools, Alex better grasp of the offense.
I’m still not sure which QB I want in there. One thing I do know is that Greg Roman is a bad play caller, and that’s the main thing that needs to be corrected.
What we do know is that an Alex Smith led offense managed 13 points against Seattle at Candlestick.
A CK7 led offense managed 13 points against the same team in Seattle.
The offense doesn’t seem to change much regardless of the QB.
If only the Niners had a strong veteran QB on their roster (maybe one who was voted a team captain) who was used to dealing with adversity to help guide them through a difficult time…
Oh, wait…
You can cheer for your crush when hes playing elsewhere next year
: )
Hey bay
we CAN cheer for him now; and some of us still do….He’s still a forty niner AND a captain.
What other bench players do cheer for?
So question is it wrong to wish that a player has sucess on another team, for instance when Joe left I watched both the niners games and the KC games, I cheered for Joe when he played but when he played the niners the cheers stopped. Are you saying its wrong to be a fan of a player as well as a team. I am a Payton Manning fan, not a Brady fan though I think he’s more of a product of the system in New England.
Huxley what he is saying is that u can cheer for anyone u want unless its Alex Smith because then u are not a real 9ers fan.
>>What other bench players do cheer for?
All of them. How about you, “fan”?
I heard Harbs was holding out Vernon in favor of Kaepernick. Yes, Vernon is done, what with the concussion and all. Mr. Everything is going to pass the ball then catch it because Harbs “maneuvered” for him in the draft. Harbs does not simply maneuver for maneuvering’s sake. When Harbs maneuvers, he maneuvers for a “football player”. That means not just a quarterback who can throw, but one who can throw, run, and yes…. CATCH. Instead of the Pistol, they call it the “Suicide” because you shoot at yourself.
Josh, I would not worry about Vernon. He’ll be back for the playoff game. Now, if Vernon had been leading the league in catches by a Tight End, then I’d tell you to worry as Harbaugh might just bench him for Celek. As you know, Celek gives the Niners a better chance to win. So don’t worry, Vernon is still our guy.
Harbs, “You [inhale] are my number one [inhale] guyyyyy…”
Open
I hear that Celek will make our O explosive so that our team finaly doesnt have to rely on the D. It was due too its unaceptable for an 8yr veteran to only have 5 catches the last 4 weeks
Against playoff teams:
Alex Smith, 2-2
CK7, 3-1
Remember when “wins are the only stat that matters” was a mantra here? It went out the window at the same time as “In Harbaugh we trust.” As soon as one niner was benched Harbaugh became a bum and stats started to matter.
“Stats are for losers” ~the Cowboy
Clemons
Nice try, the giants are not a playoff team and neither are the Vikings (not yet at least, GO VIKES) But then again neither are the Rams, CK 0/2 vs the rams
Come to think of it the Bears might not make it either so that means CK beat ONE playoff team NE. I cant even begin to figure out where the u can falsley credit CK with a 3rd win? Come to think of it we only beat 3 palyoff teams the whole year (GB, Sea, NE, 4 if u count Chi) so Where did the 2-2 and 3-1 come from?
I forgot to add the word “caliber” there. Playoff caliber teams.
With Alex the 49ers beat Green Bay and Seattle while being demolished by the Vikings and the Giants.
With CK7 they beat the Patriots, Saints and Bears and then got demolished by the Seahawks.
Those are all teams in the mix for the playoffs except for the Saints. Without the 0-4 start the Saints would be a contender as well. They were on a hot streak before the 49ers smacked them in their dome.
>>“In Harbaugh we trust.”
With all the trashing of the various members of the coaching staff, other players on the roster (execpting the current starting QB), “In Harbaugh we trust” went out the window a long time ago, msc.
According to Schefter, Shurmer is out in Cleveland. Add Reid in Philly, Crennell in KC, Turner in SD, and probably Whisenhut in Az.
So where does Roman end up?
Philly?
I really think Roman will get a college HC spot before he gets a HC offer in the NFL.
Then again, the Bills were dumb enough to hire Chan Gailey so who knows?
I don’t see all of the interest in Roman, frankly he is a weak link in the Niner offense. He is so inconsistent.
Jeez!
I hadn’t even heard that he had left the niners….could this be some unfounded speculation of the ‘Madden’bloggers..??
Oregon
A man can dream cant he?
I wonder if Chip Kelly gets a chance at the NFL. I sure hope not. He has zero NFL experience but I keep hearing his name mentioned as a potential NFL headcoach.
Would an NFL team hire a running game coordinator to be its head coach?
Probably not but you’re assuming that GM’s and team presidents/owners think the same way about Roman as you do.
I think he’s a good running game coordinator. NFL teams might want a head coach with a wider background.
Probably not but in todays NFL you never know what is going to happen.
Chan Gailey, Romeo Crenell…that say’s a lot about how bright some GM’s are…
Chris Ault stepped down as football coach here in Nevada on Friday. Rumor has it, he could end up in SF in some form.
Maybe OC if Roman gets an offer elsewhere?
Lemons
Would u be comfortable with a longtime college coach who runs a gimiky O as ur primary voice of the offense? Having CK helps but is he versed enough to scheeme vs NFL deefenses etc.? Id rather see him as an offensive assistant of some sort. That is if he wil go for that
@BOS with Harbaugh in charge I wouldn’t mind seeing an innovative mind at OC. I wouldn’t want to see Ault as the sole voice on offense though.
Does it seem to you that all of that inovation we saw last year (shifts, funky formations, creative playcalls) that put us ahead of the curve are gone now? I cant remember the last time I said “wow that was a really good play call, or Wow thats really creative” when the 9ers are on O. I know the league caught on to all the Jumbo personel etc but isnt the job of the OC to stay one step ahead of the D? It feels like he is reacting to what the D is doing more so than dictating it
@BOS (I specify because this blog gets weird): It seems like the innovation in the running game has been missing for a while now.
Last year I thought Harbaugh was a master of the running game the way Walsh mastered the passing game. This year the running game has felt vanilla.
Maybe Chilo Rachel was our future? :-D
Clem
He’l probably be available this offseason unles a nfc north team gives him more money to stay w the bears
Is it just a matter of running out of all the good ideas/plays that he used at stanford or the complacency of not comming up with better ones. I see it in the pass game too. Last year we scheemed for Joe friggin Staley and Ice to catch passes. This year we cant even get the ball to our starting (reportedly elite) TE or to our #3 WR. Has there been a jet sweep ran this year after week 5 (KW)?
@Bos
Wasn’t that disaster Safety vs Rams a botched fly sweep? Or had you successfully deleted that memory? In which case I apologize.
Brotha,
The safety was on a pass play, and the TD was on a botched option pitch. Totally different plays.
The absence of the fly sweep this year is strange considering it’s effectiveness last year.
Bos,
Last year we ran the fly sweep. That play was not a fly sweep. That was an option pitch to Ginn. That fly sweep consisted of a handoff.
23J
I know im wondering why we stopped running it? It could be TG’s aversion to be physical and take hits…you know being a football player. In that case get LMJ in there. AJJ looked good running it in preseason
@Jack
Upon reflection, right you are on all three counts.
I’m backing my team, the 49ers, 100%. Not going to make excuses for injuries, not going to worry about QB changes, not going to count on other teams winning or losing to help win seeding. It’s gut-check time when good teams (which I know my team is) take control of their destiny. They are going to beat the Cards and then take on whatever comes their way at home or on the road. Playoffs are a new season and “f” whatever happened in previous games because they no longer matter – just the next game in front of them. C’mon, Faithful, can’t believe the results of the poll that so many have already given up on the SB! Did Giants fans do that last season? It ain’t over unti it’s over!
Way to rally the troops Space. This is the best time of the year if your team is still in it, and after 10 looonnnggg years it is fun to have the team in it for the 2nd straight year.
No better place to be than right here, right now.
Jack, there is a motto that I have – and it is on my desktop that I see everyday when I turn on my computer, and it is simply this:
“Moving Forward!”
Better hope it ain’t:
“Starting Over”
Josh, let me tell you something, bro, in 2006 they told me after diagnosing me with prostate cancer that had “got out of the box,” that I would have 3 years at the most. I had the surgery at UCSF, the chemo and the radiation and never ever considered quitting and here I am at five years later and still humping it. Can my team do less? I”ve got the “Faith” that they are going to give me one more – Hell, maybe that is what keeps me going! Never give up!
Sounds like you were “working through something” Space. Congrats on beating it – that’s awesome to hear.
strength!!! space, will!!! kudos!
I’m glad your weiner works Spaceborn, as are we all. Hopefully it will bring luck to the 49ers.
Congrats Spaceborn,
A weiner is a terrible thing to waste.
ms, I know about your wife – and I give her my best wishes – some things are hard to talk about on these blogs – everybody is different in how they react to the “C” word. I know, believe me. Best thing: Just be there for her. Don’t make promises about getting well – just always let her know you are there no matter what. We cancer patients – well – it’s different from a lot of diseases . . . just love her, never lie – be honest . . . with her and the family. You’re going to get a lot of family and friends giving bad advice, but with the best of intentions, but they don’t realize false-hope can be worse than the truth. Just keep it real with yourself , her and the family. My best, bro!
Josh, Neal – you don’t have an f’n clue about prostate cancer – it’s not a joke! But condsidering the source – well, olay . . . there is always karma! LOL
Actually I do, but rather than make this thread super serious, I would rather congratulate you on “humping it”, your words, as to keep things light, since I have no idea who you are or your full situation. This article is about football after all, as are the responses. The fight for your life deserves all the faith in the world, but this game most likely does not, so I personally would not make a connection there. I deflect that karma, sir, as it was no offense meant.
Spaceborn,
Yes I do know about prostate cancer and know a handful of people who are fighting it, but not on here to talk about how prostate cancer and how it affect’s male performance. Hey I get checked once a year, so far so good. I will do the same as Josh and deflect your karma, no disrepect. I don’t think I would mentioned I have a running nose on here as it gets builds up and takes on a thread of its own.
Neal, you never know where that running nose will lead you . . . but not that I give a sh*t! LOL
Spaceborn,
Maybe some of us know people who did NOT win that battle and don’t want to bring up “C” in a football thread. You of all people should know to be sensitive.
Glad you’re still kicking… RIP those who aren’t.
Well, you directly addressed me and spoke of it, so I’ll simply ignore it the next time if you like. Good luck. Obviously you have some fight in you…
Josh, so you just figured that out? LOL That is what I am talking about, dang it! Having the heart to fight through adversity – jeez, if I can, so can our team!
Yes, hopefully they too will overcome this “hump” problem :P JK my friend.
Space
It’s about hope and positive forward-looking energy, as you stated. It won’t save everybody, but it’s the best way to face it. As the Marines say: “Continue the march.”
Neal,
First you take a shot at someone with prostate cancer.
Then you say you’re not on this blog to talk about the effects of prostate cancer on male performance, as if you’re taking the high road, when in fact, you’re the one who brought it up.
Finally, you put a nice bow on your package of ingnorance and insensitivity by equating prostate cancer to a runny nose.
Well done, very well done.
BTW, it’s one thing to always use “your”, instead of “you’re”, for “you are”. But when you do it twice in a post in which you’re calling someone else an idiot, it takes you down to a whole different level.
Josh, I haven’t won – it’s just a matter of time – but that’s not what I am talking about. I’m talking about perserverence and never saying the word “quit!” I really am not trying to get any sympathy on this blog. Don’t expect it, don’t request it. I’m good with it and have no fear. I’m relating it to football and specifically the 49ers. Gut-check time! Not about if my wiener works or not – none of your f’n business, by the way! Why the F would you care, anyway? Not like I’m after your woman, LOL. What’s her number, by the way?
Talking football and about being a man, here; you either get it or you don’t. And if trying to give a fellow fan some advice about dealing with cancer on a football blog bothers you, then skip my posts. It’s not like I see you on here talking X’s and O’s, dude!
Read above.
Josh, “some fight” is not in me. It is all or nothing. What else is there? And I get paid zero for doing that; just my self-respect in having the knowledge that is how I played life’s game, which to me is the most important thing a man can have. Just wish my team to do the same . . . is that so bad?
The Nines need a LOT of things to make it to the SB. And Luck wouldn’t be the least of it! Kap is still a HS-QB. Has his brilliant moments and then fumbles like a teenager. Not once, or twice but repeatedly. In the games that we won, he made up for his mistakes. In the ones we lost, well, he looked like a HS-QB. I guess we can wait another 8 years until he matures……
Good grief, I hope not. After 8 years of Alexcuses I’m not in the mood for another 8 years of Keapologies.
I would become a Browns fan if that happened.
Are we now comparing the 2012 9ers to the 2005 9ers? Now I’ve heard it all!!
They have equal Super Bowl appearances.
And more Har-Harbaugh too 67!?
Man Seachicken fans are annoying. They’re still talking smack about there win. I just checked on the ESPN site to see what they’re chatting about in the 49ers chat room and it’s all Seachickens in there. Some are wondering where Niner fans are at to talk s… to.
I told you guys it was their superbowl. You could tell by Caroll’s reaction during the game. I can’t wait for their rude awakening in the playoffs. I’m definately going to our game against them next year!!!
It was the first time in 3 years that they managed to beat the 49ers. It was their Super Bowl. Can’t blame them for being excited. A team that has never accomplished anything has to take whatever victories it can get.
Seattle’s the hottest team in the NFL, and just put a major whuppin’ on a supposedly elite 49er squad. Nobody wants to face them in the playoffs, and I can see why.
That game wasn’t their Superbowl, it was them kicking the door in to the party. They came to drink beer and kick ass, and they’re about all outta beer. Look out for Seattle, I regretfully inform you.
Unless the niners play Grant, Willis’s back up where the cowboy was the niners D will be run all over sad bug true Ricky isn’t beast enough and everyone in the NFL knows it. Aside from that CK looke pedestrian last week at best.
Who is the monkey?
Once we made the change at QB, my gut feeling was this was a mistake.
I also think majority of 49er fans agree we are not winning the SB this year, which really hurts knowing we almost made it last year.
A road to SB season was intercepted by A road to rebuilding season.
New Blog Rule: No playing the “[enter life problem here]” card in your comments in order to steal the focus of the thread. We all got problems…
Seconded…
Yes, by all means, keep any humanity out of public discourse so as not to interfere with FF bullsh*# smack talking and posturing. There’s just no place for perspectives of life experiences in interpreting our world around us, football or otherwise.
Best chance for the SF offense: start Smith and have 20-25 plays for Kaep.
The reason the D has collapsed: no pass rush.
I would agree that Alex is better at handing off than Copernicus. The 49ers need to get back to grinding the clock and limiting the opponents’ possessions. Keep the defense fresh so it can be the force the 49ers need it to be.
Unless they need 41 points against a team like the Patriots. In that case bring back CK7.
“The reason the D has collapsed: no pass rush.”
Pretty much sums it up. Just like to add the word ‘consistent’ before pass rush. I think Brooks and McDonald are just plain tired and losing Justin was a major hit. This d-line needs a lot more production from their subs for this team to succeed in the playoffs.
Yeah, we need more effective depth. That’s one thing Walsh was good at: getting role players on the D-line who could contribute pressure a few times a game. Lawrence Pillers. Gary Johnson. Fred Dean was a Steroid version of this (did not start, killed teams in the 4th quarter).
Our starters are very good. Our other guys, who should contribute in a rotation, are not that effective. Dobbs probably had the best potential for pressure as a role player off the bench, but he is gone now.
We need to look to the draft next year to reinforce that line. Also an older FA who cannot hack 4 quarters any more but can show a burst for ten or twelve snaps a game would be useful.
Yip, just like others, I mentioned the rotating QB’s before too. JH started the year with that idea himself but never really developed it any further. Considering the fumbles (and the mental lingering of it), it would be a great scenario and give the opponents TWO QB’s to prepare for! To use the qualities of both AND be able to mix it up, would set a new set of rules. Can Har-Harbaugh live to that?
Dephiant,
Dont you eemember how everyone including Alex Smith complained about having Kap sub in for him during games? Alex couldnt handle it. Its over. Get over it.
Drs,
We did that already. Smith wasnt comfortable. Hes done. Hes not the difference maker. Thats why he got replaced.
As 17 point favorites, if the 49ers were to blow this one they should just give their playoff spot to a more deserving team.
Maybe Greg Roman can get his act together against Arizona. He has shown an ability to design plays and even to call plays, but so far he has demonstrated no aptitude for calling a game. He easily loses focus and succumbs to minutiae, ruining any possibility of a consistent attack. I’m surprised Harbaugh hasn’t stepped in, but perhaps he’s in the midst of a sophomore slump.
Just noticed the poll above about going to the SB. Have all those ‘fans’ happy with the switch at QB voted? I thought that was supposed to be the clincher since Alex was the only thing holding this team back? LOL Just asking where all that “positivity” went. Guess people might have realized there are a lot of other factors involved in succeeding in the ultimate team game. Go Niners!!!
Stability on a team gets you to the SB………. And a coach who has the Hot Hand!
I said it the outset that I was not happy with the transition because AS was injured. That being said, I trust Harbaugh’s decisions and will hop on board and not look back.
I’m I supposed to stop cheering for my team because we got blown out by Seattle or because key players are injured?
I don’t roll that way. Whether CK’s numbers are better or worse than AS’ has no bearing on my team alligence.
I said during TC that I was all in (have been for over 40 years), and yes, we are still a Superbowl contender until someone knocks us out.
Last I looked, we are very much in the hunt!
Hmm Raiders and 49ers on at the same time. Who’s blog do I choose? No sense of humor Steve Corkran (I’ve covered the Raiders for 18 years!, how long have YOU?!”) or Grant?
Hmmm the guy who kicks puppy’s in the name of the Raiders or the guy with the hot GF from Fiji?
The guy who..ahhh,enough!
Grant.
Video crack (NFL RedZone) is starting. Someone wake up Grant and get him shaved so we can start a new thread.
LOL
u got that right Clem. They give u a little taste for free week 1 knowing full well that they can charge whatever they want the rest of the year and people will keep coming. The only unhappy party is my bladder from 1-8
J.J. Watt started off the day with a fantastic Justin Smith imitation.
go eagles
Vick just made a beautiful pass to a wide open Giants cornerback.
lol, I saw that.
He’s deadly accurate. Deadly to his own team. Dog killer.
This is one of those weekends when I wish I’d paid for upgraded tv coverage. The network options (Phl/NYG or Hous/Indy) are underwhelming.
I get the Bears/Lions game, and the bills game (aka the Suck Bowl) is…..blacked out.
Just a note…
Last week, the niners lost a life-long fanatic. My father-in-law passed away in his 90′s and was a niner fan since their inception in ’46. I only go back to ’49. Even in the darkest years, he was steadfast. RIP…FRW…thanks
Om
Sorry to hear that, Oregoniner.
My condolences Oregon.
RIP
What’s wrong with Vick?
Nothing. He’s just doing what he’s been doing all season.
Being a Lions running back has to be the most dangerous occupation in history.
2013 opponents
Bucs
Falcons
Saints
Panthers
Texans
Colts
Titans
Jaguars
Packers
Rams
Seahawks
Cardinals
Redskins/Cowboys winner
Jack
That looks like an easy schedule. The AFC South and NFC South don’t scare anybody. It should be another 11 to 14 win season next year :)
That’s a tough schedule….dang!! Saints, Texans, Packers, falcons and then our division??? I wonder where it ranks? I would guess the toughest.
AFC and NFC South divisions are not that good. This is a pretty good 1st place schedule.
We get the AFC South next year? Wake me up in 2014.
How do you think it’s easy? you think carolina will be bad again? Redskins?
Getting a 1st round bye isn’t such a big deal. Just look at recent history of Super Bowl winners.
It is when you’re injured like they are. The extra week off would help this team I think. Another week of practice and preperation for CK wouldn’t hurt either
With our injuries, it’s huge!!
The Giants are absolutely killing Michael Vick’s dogs.
Too little, too late.
I hope so – after the SeaBastards the Giants are the last team I want to see in the playoffs. They match up too well with the 49ers.
I’d like to go through the Giants first, and then go through the Seahawks next enroute to the Super Bowl.
Razor,
Do you actually enjoy eating razors as well? You masochist….. I want the Bears (terrible), then I’d prefer Atl (away), Sea (home), GB (away), in that
Angus, “…to be the best, you’ve got to beat….”
Well, you are right. We already beat one of our demons this year ( green bay), lets not push things.
I want to reach through my TV screen and hug Chuck Pagano. Go ahead, laugh at me.
The Texans just got “tuck ruled” by Luck.
Alex has become Elvis to some in here! They reject his death. LMAO!
Alex had 8 years to prove himself and failed. He’s not coming back.
“Alex has left the building.”
GoDaddy is having a domain sale and Alexisourstarter.com is still available. Jump on it and go cry on it over there!
Or perhaps because his record with a good coach is 20 – 5 and he won the last 9er playoff game in 10+ years??! Perhaps?
Let’s hope our WIP QB is at least as successful.
Remember how we used to have this “window” for success? You know, aging Justin and all that? Now just have to be “patient” while harbaugh turns an arm and two legs into a QB.
Rib, yes it is interesting how things change in a matter of 7 weeks. You should read Rockets take from yesterday.
Hofer – Congratulations from GoDaddy!
ALEXISOURSTARTER.COM
is available. Snap it up before someone else does. Just $9.99*
I believe the domain name ALLBUTONEclub is available also for the REAL fans.
Hofer – Alex lost 31 of his first 50 games as a starter, with zero playoff wins. Those numbers don’t get thrown out ever. “There aint no forgettin Hofe.”
So what? Let’s dig up his college and high school records then too? It’s all about what have you done for me lately.
And here’s one for you, Crabs
Congratulations!
KaepBetterPerformInThePlayoffs.com
is available. Snap it up before someone else does. Just $9.99*
So now we are comparing being drafted to a playoff talented team and ultimately a record of 13-3 while sitting and learning to what was in all aspects an expansion team in 2005?? Now I’ve heard it all!
Yes hof, those scenarios are completely the same. What’s wrong with you?
Hofe/McRib – If you’re so concerned about our non-starters, why not discuss Trenton Robinson, Ian Williams, Michael Wilhoite and many others???
Crabs, continuing with the false equivalencies. You have two in this thread alone. Care to go for three?
We’ve discussed most of the backups including AJJ and RJF. You know how it works here. Write something compelling (facts work best) and they will come. Anything you want to add factual on those three names you mention so we can discuss?
Why is there so much talk about the Chargers’ 2013 backup QB?
Hofer/McRib – I knew you’d get riled up if I mentioned our backup QB. Lol
DS would be so proud of you two.
Niners are going to Super Bowl and that’s what’s up.
Now I’m done.
Clem, LOL. There’s a few on the team that will be elsewhere next year. Maybe we only talk about the starting QB – REAL fans right?
Rib, are you riled up? I’m enjoying this banter. “You can’t talk about this guy because he’s a backup” is the funniest thing on this blog in 4 years!
http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=nfcwest&id=86852
Good comparison of the 2. That 2 point overall difference in points per drive may be the key….
Jack, possibly but you still can’t ignore the 8 categories on offense that have dropped. We all know the move has been made and there is no looking back but it doesn’t mean we ignore the mistakes, dismiss the stats, or discount losses. I expect the offense will pad the stats today.
Yes Hofer, the offense might pad it’s stats today. Bottom line is points and wins. A 2 point difference is minuscule, and shows that a 2nd year player making his 7th start today is no worse than the previous veteran starter.
The thing that might ultimately keep this team from it’s goals is not the QB. It is the defense that is not getting the TO’s like last year and the kicker who has fallen to the bottom of the barrel this season. 2 made FG’s and this team is 12-3 right now.
Alex didnt win a playoff game. The Niners defense put them in the playoffs. Gave Smith 5 turnovers and we won the gamr barely. Smith is yesterday’s news so why are we still crying about that bum. Without Harbaugh, Smith would probably be out of football. Smith has never made a difderence in this offense. A game manager is not a difderence maker. He was never the answer and I told you all so. Now you know.
Hofer you gave turned into a polite hater. Today we play for the division and you come in here with your negative bull$hit. Its beyond tired.
Jordan you here?
Crabs,
We all said that Hofer would pop up after a loss, and he didn’t disappoint. It’s like Damon Bruce’s saying on KNBR, “Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” It sure does. We all know that Hofer would be blaming the defense for last week if Smith was still the starter. If the Niners play well tonight, a tree will immediately fall down on his property and he will be unable to comment. If they lose, he will tout the freshness of Alex Smith’s crotch scented Febreeze spray.
bay – Sorry I couldn’t make it out there for the game. Long story. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut unless hotel is booked and tickets are in my hand.
Jack
You can place the blame on the kicker or the defense, but you fail to bring up QB running out of bounds that stopped the clock or you fail to bring up the offense not performing up to expectations, you fail to bring up clock management, you fail to bring up penalities at crucial times, you fail to bring up play calling, you fail to bring up dropped balls, you fail to bring up pass protection, there are lots or reasons why the team isn t performing upto expectations not just the kicker or the defense.
Undercenter,
Thank you for taking my point further. Those too are valid reasons. Focusing on the QB play is easy and lazy.
Jack – correct you are its not just the QB.
Now we are monitoring the schedules of those that post here and aligning them with wins and losses! A debating tactic? LOL
BigP – If Niners/Kap play well today and win, Hofer’s going to say:
1. Arizona has nothing to play for and they are worst team in NFL.
2. Lets see what Kap can do vs playoff caliber team.
3. Kap made some mistakes that will cost us in playoffs.
4. Kap missed some opportunities for more points.
5. Kap’s stats were padded by terrible Card’s D.
6. Niners offense still looks out of sinc.
7. Running QB’s can’t win Super Bowls.
Feel free to add to this list BigP or anyone else.
“I expect the offense will pad the stats today.”
Of course you do. You want to plant the seed in peoples minds that even if CK plays well, it won’t matter because it’s the Cardinals. The funny thing is, you were touting Smith’s performance against the same Cardinals team. You know, the funk-jive turkey gobbler game.
Crab, I’ll continue to use facts/stats as I always have here. Thanks for asking.
Hofer why anyone ever viewed you as an experienced voice in this room is beyond me.
You are filled with backhanded compliments and only post after losses.
You are just a bitter guy who isnt much of a fan. We all see it. No o e debates you anymore because you arent worth the debate.
Crab,
Bro, you are so right. It is what it is. You have already experienced the “I thought you were my buddy” schtick from Hofer when you didn’t agree with him. I have cheered for Alex for over seven years, and when Harbaugh made the switch I started cheering for Kaepernick. I didn’t ignore Harbaugh’s actions and posterize his spoken words to the media to defend my viewpoint, so I don’t have to resort to being a hypocrite now. That’s what it comes down to for the Milky Blues cult. They are showing their true colors.
Bay, there you go again speaking from your REAL fan perspective. I’m stating the numbers on offense. What is bitter about that? Can you discuss or will you only resort to name calling?
Amen bigP.
Under, good read and well said.
Crab,
Good call on the domain name: Alexisourstarter.com. I’m sure some Smither is taking you up on that offer. I can’t believe that some ‘Niner fans’ are still infatuated by Alex – the hand me down, 2nd string, check down king.
G Bush – Thanks and welcome to the blog. I hope you stick around. You and me, we make a team. ;)
You need 2 inch thick rhinoceros skin to stay here long term. You are off to a tremendous start.
Go Niners!!
He will stick to name calling cause he can never carry a football convo cause, well, it ain’t fantasy football.
>>the funniest thing on this blog in 4 years!
HOF, that the regulars on this blog have become exact mirror images of each other since the QB change is the truly the most hilarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8hjtFq3vE0
What does Grbac have to do with this?!?!?
OMG! Is Elvis Grbac dead??
“elvis” reference in the OP?
ROFL – nice one
Rib, I know! I just heard Grbac is dead! I can’t believe it. What happened, 2012 cult mass suicide? I’ll bet that is what it was. Damn those cults!
Namdi is absolutely horrible in philly. Tgank God we didn’t sign him!
Philly has never used Nmamdi the right way. He’s a man corner, not a zone guy. His strength is press coverage and using the sideline.
He was vastly overrated with the Raiders. It paid off big time to play the cultured football player.
No int’s or sacks his last near two years in Oakland.
Remember the flack I got for saying he couldn’t even cover man to man an old Tony Gonzalez? And people said “Tony’s a great player”..yeah,and Namdy could never cover ANY teams great,or very good, good,or even “knows how to tie his shoe’s”, players. My point.
All I know is hes been getting beat like a drum. All season long. If he doesn’t give up a TD, hes getting called for pass intereference. He looks horrible. Like hes lost.
The Falcons-Bucs game is showing how much desire/emotion/intensity matters in the NFL. The Falcons are clearly more talented but have nothing to play for.
Matt Stafford is terrible. Wow.
Stafford just needs a buttsack to enter the Sanchize Zone.
If CK fails badly in the playoffs…look for Sanchez to be traded to the 49ers..huh?..hee,could be.
The H-man like ex New Yorkers..
Heaven forbid.
Sanchexcuses? I’d kill somebody.
Frank Gore running stadium in full gray sweats. Kaep going through warmups. Stadium filled with Kaep jerseys. The faithful believe!!!
Oh that’s right people wearing particular jerseys signifies the entire fan base beliefs. Hey Bay hopefully we all see the same game from the stadium as well as on television. Every time you go to games it seems you see a different game from everyone else! Ha! What a joke!
Being new to this board but a very long time niner fan i have a quick question for
Msclemon
Jordan
Crab
Neal
I get that you hate Smith with a passion. But would you have been happy if he had taken us to the Sb and somehow miraculously won? I know you dont believe that was possible but would you have cut him any slack if he had?
Why can’t anyone question Kap or the choice made this year without being called childish names. From an objective point of view it seems your hatred of Smith supercedes any critical thinking about Kap. And no one can have a factual discussion about JH’s choice with you without you calling names. Can’t you discuss the issue of the QB replacement without thinking the person has a hard on for Smith?
People are NOT Smithers if they question this choice. We are fans discussing our team and the feeling that we are now nervous about a rookie QB getting us to the SB when he looks rattled in certain situations…
I LOVE Kap… But I for one feel we are asking a lot of him to take us to the SB. I am not a Smither but I’m confused about the choice…
It seems to me you hate Smith so much you don’t care if we don’t make it because even if it is a bad choice you didn’t want to see him succeed.
Just trying to understand.
WElcome Panda,
Here’s a predictable answer to your initial questions right here, courtesy of Jordan23
Alex didnt win a playoff game. The Niners defense put them in the playoffs.