49ers officially hire Kyle Shanahan

The San Francisco 49ers just announced that they have hired Kyle Shanahan as their head coach.

Here’s a statement from Jed York:  “This is a very exciting day for the San Francisco 49ers and our fans. Throughout this process, we learned many things about Kyle that convinced us he is the perfect coach to lead this team. Over the years, he has proven to be one of the brightest minds in the game of football and his recent success speaks for itself. Kyle’s leadership has brought the best out of his players at every phase of his career and we look forward to watching him build a talented staff to accomplish the same with our players.

“Kyle and (49ers GM) John (Lynch) are top-tier football men with outstanding pedigrees who join the organization with a tremendous amount of respect for each other. The future of this franchise will be constructed from their vision, and we look forward to watching them work together for years to come as they instill the culture necessary to consistently compete for championships.”

Here’s a statement from John Lynch: “The San Francisco 49ers are very fortunate to be able to bring in a coach of the caliber of Kyle Shanahan. As an offensive mind, I think he stands alone in the National Football League, as evidenced by the explosive and record-setting offense in Atlanta. Though he grew up around coaching, what has most impressed me about Kyle is that he’s become his own man in the profession. Our philosophies on football and our visions for leading the 49ers back to being a championship team align in every way. I am thrilled to have Kyle Shanahan on board.”

And here’s a statement from Kyle Shanahan: “It is truly an honor to be named head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, one of the marquee franchises in all of sports. I must thank Jed and the York family for entrusting me with this great privilege and tremendous opportunity. I would also like to express my gratitude to Arthur Blank, Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons organization for their support and the experience of a lifetime.

“As a young man, I had the unique benefit of being exposed to the storied history of the San Francisco 49ers firsthand. From that exposure, I developed great respect for those who created a world-class, championship standard. As this team begins the task of reestablishing that standard, I could not ask for a better partner than John Lynch. He is a man who certainly has personal knowledge of what championship organizations look like. John and I look forward to establishing a strong culture that will serve as our foundation for constructing this team.

“I am very excited to dedicate myself to the process that lies ahead. The first step in that process is identifying talented individuals who love the game of football as much as John and I do – coaches, players and staff. We are looking for individuals who work hard and are dedicated to doing things the right way, always in the best interest of the team. Most importantly, we want to give our fans a team they can be proud of on and off the field.”

How do you like this hire in light of how Shanahan choked away the Super Bowl?

This article has 266 Comments

  1. “How do you like this hire in light of how Shanahan choked away the Super Bowl?”

    Haha

    Grant just like the 49ers you’re the gift that keeps on giving.

    1. Hey Coffee Closure:
      FB Team:
      11 on offense, 11 on defense, DUH?
      Atlanta HC Dan Quinn, OK? DQ could have overruled SK anytime. Furthermore all of sudden in the second half Atlanta D went to sleep. Remember Dan Quinn the HC runs the defense.
      Thanks

    2. It wasn’t the offense that gave up 31 points after halftime. It was the defense that couldn’t cope with one simple adjustment — Brady went to the shotgun. And from that point on, the #27 ranked Atlanta defense was as helpless as box full of kittens.

      But I don’t hear any carping about Quinn’s inability to adjust for an entire half and doing nothing to get pressure back on Brady.

      About a 140 plays on offense and defense and yet it was, magically, just those three plays… Your criticism is as shallow as a desert puddle.

  2. Exciting times for the 49ers. He was one of the better HC candidates available, so the 49ers are lucky to get him.

  3. I wont copy and paste it but Scooter had the perfect summary. There are a lot of reasons to be cautiously optimistic about this hire. On paper there are realistically more reasons to be cautious then optimistic but since we don’t have any say in it and it’s a done deal we might as well hope for the best.

  4. Kyle will never make the same mistakes he made in the SB. It was a learning experience. He touched a hot stove and got burned.

    I’m more excited about the hire today than I was 24 hours ago.

    1. Let’s hope he doesn’t over correct and we end up with losses because he turns too conservative with a lead.

    2. #80:
      Let’s hope he hires a good DC.
      Off topic:
      CSN Alice does NOT know fecal jack about FB but continues to run her mouth. She’s Harry Berezin’s protegee! You know the deal!

  5. You can’t win if you can’t keep your defense off of the field. Kelly proved that to us. Atlanta only ran bout 30 + plays and left Brady all the time in the world to get back in the game. After the first half I thought Atlanta had the game in the bag and then the Pats went to work in the second half and a defense made up of a lot of young players just couldn’t take the heat. Was it Shanahan’s offense or the Pats defense that lost the game for Atlanta?

    1. Dude, Atlanta has a TERRIBLE DEFENSE. They failed to make stops. That’s not the fault of the offense.

      The 49ers only scored 6 points in the second half of Superbowl XVI. They went 3-and-out multiple times not going anywhere in the 3rd quarter.. And they won.

      The difference was defense. The 49ers had a Top-3 defense and made enough stops to win, especially the the famous goal line stance. The Falcons were #27 and spent all year being unable to stop anyone.

      1. Yup, funny it seems like Kyle is the scapegoat for how terrible the Falcons defense really was. They gave up 466 yards passing? Wow!

      2. Hey Moses Zulu Delta:
        These people including Mr. GC did NOT say a word about the defense collapse.
        Thanks

  6. Blame the defense for giving up 25 points.

    I wonder who the Niners will hire as OC and DC. That will tell us whether they will do better, or just continue to wallow in futility.

    1. You’re speculating on who the next OC will be, in actual operational fact? Seriously? Bra ha ha ha ha! You’re the tunnel-vision gift that keeps on giving, how amusing. And with the new NFL caliber Braintrust now in place you can rest assured that whoever they choose for DC it will be a startling improvement on what we’ve been mucking through the past two years. ‘Almost, and what could’ve been, and if only’ are going to be swept out the backdoor now, a brand new episode in 49er history and perhaps legend is about to be written. Hopefully a lot of the mediocre drivel that keeps getting posted on this blog will go by the wayside too.

      1. Oh, good, you plan on leaving this site? Good news, there will be a lot less drivel. You bring absolutely nothing to this site except your incessant caterwauling.

  7. People ignoring the facts: Yep. Shanahan choked when he had to block Hightower.

    People who actually looked at all the factors: That was Freeman.

    People ignoring the facts: Oh. Well, then he surely was at fault for taking a sack instead of throwing the ball away.

    People who actually looked at all the factors: That was Ryan.

    People ignoring the facts: Err…well then surely it was Shanahan fault for the hold on Long.

    People who actually looked at all the factors: (sigh) That was Matthews. Just stop before you hurt yourself.

    People ignoring the facts: Oh for @#$/ sakes, he was definitely at fault for the Falcons defense failing to stop the Patriots on third and ten deep in Patriots territory in the closing minutes of the regulation!!!?

    People who actually looked at all the factors: He was their OC, so he was not responsible for the Falcons defense.

    People ignoring the facts: ?????
    ….SHANAHAN BLEW THE PLAY-CALLING!!! (runs away crying)

    1. Now that I have answered your idiotic question, I can say I am happy to see Kyle Shanahan as the new coach for the 49ers, and I hope he and Lynch can build a team the fans can once again be proud of.

      1. MWD

        I’m with you on that….I have one query, will this affect the drafting of a QB who may not have Ryan’s speed, but enough beef to call for a QB sneak on short 1-2 yard runs for 1st downs or TD….like Kizor ?

      1. Please point out where I said that. (Hint: you can’t.) I did not watch the entire game due to being at work, but I have watched the areas of the fourth quarter which are in question, and it is clear the loss is more on the players than the play-calling. Simply put, there is not enough, if any, evidence to back up the claims of bad play-calling.

        1. “Simply put, there is not enough, if any, evidence to back up the claims of bad play-calling.”

          You’ve got to be joking.

            1. Up 8 deep in FG range you run the ball, chew clock, and kick a FG to go up 11. Calling a pass is dumb.

              1. That is speculation, not evidence. Provide proof instead of mere theories that can easily be shredded.

        2. No, that was hyperbole on my part. Just think it is funny that you are blaming everything on the players, and until this post where you say it was only “more” on the players than the play calling, have been completely absolving Shanahan of any culpability in the loss.

          Simply put, there is clear evidence of bad play calling. You just don’t want to see it and would rather focus purely on the players not executing. Plenty of things went wrong for the Falcons in the second half. On the sack that took them out of FG range, one of those things was the play call. Unnecessary in the situation.

          1. Once again, you provide zero evidence to back up the ridiculous claim. You are only basing it on your theories, beliefs, and outcomes, which is not evidence. Provide some proof the play-calling was bad instead of theories and beliefs. I want actual evidence.

              1. Cosell provides evidence of Freeman failing to block Hightower killing a potential TD throw in the interview link posted by Bandit.
                While I cannot prove the play-call which resulted in Ryan getting sacked the right one, I can provide evidence to support the possibility that running the football could also have been a bad move.
                First, there was the fact that Freeman failed to gain any helpful yards on the ground after Coleman had to exit the game.
                Second, we have all seen examples of where an offense keeps the ball on the ground in order to try to preserve a win, and the RB proceeds to cough up the ball at the worst possible time.
                Third, with Coleman out, Freeman and Terron Ward were the only RBs left. Should Shanahan have risked Freeman on a running play with various possible outcomes.
                Fourth, there is zero evidence to show that a penalty of any kind would not have occurred on a running play, which would have resulted in loss of yards.
                Finally, I believe the starting RT had been injured on the drive and, along with the known leg fracture Mack was playing through, it could have impacted the play-calling.
                Scooter, the reality is there is no evidence to prove the play-calling by Shanahan was good or bad on those plays. You and I can indicate a possibility, but it does not prove one of us right.
                My main problem is many are basing their claim that Shanhan called bad plays on the theories and beliefs resulting from the bad outcomes. You can’t call that evidence when you do that because you show an apparent bias. Grant showed this by proclaiming McDaniels called good plays despite several of the throws from Brady nearly being intercepted during the comeback by the Patriots. Would he (Grant) still be doing so if the ball had been intercepted during the attempted comeback? The odds are likely against that.
                I am trying to avoid a biased take on the debate and look at the evidence presented, and what I have seen is three veterans on the Falcons offense making costly mistakes and a young Falcons defense that started to falter near the end of the third quarter. I have watched the plays in question three times now, and I have yet to see anything to indicate the play-calling by Shanahan was good or bad, but I have seen where the players on the Falcons faltered, which in turn led to their Super Bowl loss.

              2. Even losing a yard per carry on the next two plays sets them up for a 42 yard FG attempt while also either burning 1:20 in time off the clock or forcing NE to use timeouts.

              3. “I can provide evidence to support the possibility that running the football could also have been a bad move.”

                First off, so you are acknowledging here that passing was a bad move (by using the word “also”)? Or was that a mistake?

                Second, I can provide evidence that passing the ball could have been a bad move. Exhibit A, what happened in the SB. What does that prove?

                I won’t go through your comments point by point, but I would like to think you and I have had sufficient discussions in the past that you would think I am basing my comments on more than what the outcome was. In fact, I have said that even if the play worked it wasn’t a good call – it just wouldn’t be getting discussed. The risk inherent in the pass was greater than that inherent in the run. That’s not to say running the ball was without risk, but it provided less risk of a seriously negative play (i.e. significant loss of yards, cough up the ball). And in that situation the reward wasn’t sufficient to justify the increased risk – they were in position to put themselves in what in all likelihood would have been an unassailable position.

                And I want to reiterate – I am not solely blaming Shanahan. I haven’t once suggested he is the only one to blame. I am just outlining he deserves his share of the blame. It was not a good call in the situation.

              4. Even losing a yard per carry on the next two plays sets them up for a 42 yard FG attempt while also either burning 1:20 in time off the clock or forcing NE to use timeouts.

                Again, another theory. I counter that with the theory Freeman could have coughed up the rock and the Patriots returned the fumble for a TD.

              5. “I counter that with the theory Freeman could have coughed up the rock and the Patriots returned the fumble for a TD.”

                And I counter that theory with if Ryan wasn’t sacked he could have thrown an INT and the Patriots returned it for a TD.

                Nobody is suggesting running the ball was without risk. Just that the risk of a seriously negative play was much lower.

              6. First off, so you are acknowledging here that passing was a bad move (by using the word “also”)? Or was that a mistake?

                No, I am indicating either play call could have been deemed good or bad based on the outcome (which is an inaccurate way of thinking). If Shanahan had kept the ball on the ground and Freeman was injured or fumbled the ball doing so, then Shanahan would be called out for failing to put the ball in the air.

                Second, I can provide evidence that passing the ball could have been a bad move. Exhibit A, what happened in the SB. What does that prove?

                First, I did not indicate what happened in the Super Bowl; I indicated games in general where a team kept the ball on the ground in order to win the game, and it wound up having the opposite effect. Second, it shows keeping the ball on the ground when leading does not mean a team will able to win with that strategy because it can sometimes backfire on them doing so.

                I understand that you aren’t placing the blame solely on Shanahan, but many are. I get that passing through the air is riskier than keeping the ball on the ground, but it is that aggressive offensive style that catapulted the team to the Super Bowl and gave Ryan the MVP award. Why should the play-calling be questioned in the Super Bowl but not during the regular season or playoffs? Again, I feel like many are only basing it on the outcome instead of looking at everything involved.

              7. Nobody is suggesting running the ball was without risk. Just that the risk of a seriously negative play was much lower.

                Which was riskeir though: going up against the 4th ranked rush defense with the 8th ranked rush offense, or going up against the 12th ranked pass defense with the second ranked pass offense?

              8. “I get that passing through the air is riskier than keeping the ball on the ground, but it is that aggressive offensive style that catapulted the team to the Super Bowl and gave Ryan the MVP award.”

                Sure, live by the sword, die by the sword. I get that. Doesn’t make it the right play call to win the game though. To use another saying – discretion is the better part of valour.

                “First, I did not indicate what happened in the Super Bowl; I indicated games in general where a team kept the ball on the ground in order to win the game, and it wound up having the opposite effect. Second, it shows keeping the ball on the ground when leading does not mean a team will able to win with that strategy because it can sometimes backfire on them doing so.”

                I wasn’t using the SB example because its the only example. I was using it in a general sense as well, but its a topical example and the obvious one.

                And yes, it is of course possible that running the ball wouldn’t have led to points. But I do think you are wrong that people would have been questioning the decision if running the ball hadn’t worked. At least not to the degree people are questioning what he did call. And even if he wanted to pass, both Grant and CfC are correct when they say a quick hitting play would have been a far more justifiable (and less risky) play in that situation.

              9. “Which was riskeir though: going up against the 4th ranked rush defense with the 8th ranked rush offense, or going up against the 12th ranked pass defense with the second ranked pass offense?”

                Of a seriously negative play? The pass. No question.

              10. None of this is proving the play-calling was bad though; it is just showing the what some believe based on the outcome. It is also showing that most believe the safer choice is better, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, a team needs to take a chance rather than rely on the safe approach.
                In the end, we are still basing the play-calling on theories and beliefs. I would rather have a stronger form of evidence to move the needle in one direction or another.

              11. Unfortunately I do not have access to advanced stats to prove or disprove what statistics say had the better chance of winning the game. I can only go on what I believe. And I believe in that situation the smart play was to play it safe, take the FG. Run out the clock, try and pick up a few extra yards on the ground to make the FG shot easier. If they can churn out another first down, even better.

                Going with the long developing pass play would have been low on my ideas of a smart move. Too many things can go wrong in a high pressure situation. And they did.

              12. Field goals are also not a guarantee though. We have seen chip shots that have been badly missed before, even by the best kickers. Also, there is no guarantee the run game would have kept the Falcons in field goal position. Penalties and the RB getting hit in the backfield while scrambling can result in a piling up of lost yards.

              13. “Even losing a yard per carry on the next two plays sets them up for a 42 yard FG attempt while also either burning 1:20 in time off the clock or forcing NE to use timeouts.’

                That worked out real well in the 1990 playoff game when Roger Craig fumbled the game away against Parcells’ crew. That play alone makes Scooter the winner of this debate.

              14. My bad! It was your argument that I was agreeing with JYTD. Don’t drink and drive and don’t drink and post. Words to live by. Even sober, these threads are too much for an old guy.

          2. Let us not be ridiculous here. The Pats scored 25 points in the 4th quarter was that bad play calling or was that bad defense? The head coach and a young defense were the responsible parties that caused that one lapse in judgement. Yes, Ryan should have tossed the ball out of bounds. Yes the blocker should have picked up the blitz. Yes the offense broke down on that play. But 25 points is still 25 points and they never should have been allowed to get to that point. The HC didn’t adjust his defense to the change in the Pats offensive scheme.

      1. the point to be made is that Atlanta could have run the ball and gained little to no yardage…….and possibly missed a long field goal attempt…….then everyone would be saying he blew by playing conservative!

        Atlanta is a passing team…..they pass to set up the run and even throw the ball to rb’s more often than most. I don’t blame shanny…He called plays hes called all year…if your gonna go out…..go out swinging and playing your brand of football!

        The players failed to make plays! its that simple! I’m thrilled he’s our new coach and that this team will be good offensively for the first time in almost 20 years.

        And grant should be ashamed for being a troll to a guy he’s likely never met! and these media types wonder why they’re despised!

          1. Shanahan would probably have been accused of going conservative too soon as well, and the argument would have incorrectly choosing to go conservative with Coleman injured was a bad idea because the Patriots had a top five rush defense.

  8. Count me has happy with the results of the head coaching search. A hearty Welcome Coach Shanahan, and Welcome Back Walsh Coaching Tree.

    I’m excited to see what comes. Heck, I’m even excited about the off season.

  9. I find it a bit disheartening to see Niner fans subscribe to the Brady is GOAT theory. If Brady went 5-0 in Joe’s time (w/o all the QB protection afforded him now) then I’d call him GOAT. I’ll concede he’s the best in this modern era but not thee GOAT. NO WAY.

  10. How do you like this hire in light of Shanahan choking away the Super Bowl?

    How Little Shanny blew the Super Bowl.

    How to start a long and mutually beneficial professional relationship.

    1. I’ll be blunt, I’d revoke his press credentials. He adds nothing by a Tumblr-like whine-fest.

  11. ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 35s36 seconds ago
    Report: Kyle Shanahan to target Robert Saleh, Jerome Henderson as co-defensive coordinators

  12. For the first time in 2 years, I’m excited to be a fan. Hopefully incompetent coaching is behind us

  13. From what I saw, Shanahan never missed a block, never fumbled the ball, never got sacked, and in no way choked away the game. I don’t think he missed any tackles, or blew any coverages, either. The fact that the Falcons got to the Super Bowl, and have the MVP as their quarterback says a lot more to me than losing one game against one of the great quarterbacks and great coaches of all time. Compared to all the coaches the Niners have had over the past 10 years, I’m pretty excited about Shanahan coming here.

  14. Outstanding hire. And Kyle got to learn something about how to manage the Superbowl while coaching someone else’s team. That loss will make him hungry and even more driven.

    Good job by Jed York.

  15. What a dumb ass statement -how an OC blew the SB!!! Cut the shock TK writer garbage and be better than that. The QB MVP had plays that he Could have easily executed and won the Super Bowl by throwing the ball away on one play and not fumbling on 3rd down. Further the HC has all the power in the world to tell the OC to run the ball & had total control of a defense that he made no adjustments and kept playing man against the best QB now.

    I for one loved Little Shannys game plan and if it was executed correctly like the Pats did at the 2nd half all would be good. If players miss key easy blocks and don’t execute properly that’s not on the OC.

    He’s the best option for us and I’m for one happy we have him. If your not I guess you might think McDaniels was a better option, but that’s only because he had the better QB -he’s not a better OC or play caller!

    1. +1 bandit, Grant is way, way, way out in left field on this one. What a shame he can’t see past the haze!

  16. One thing 49er fans can enjoy is the consistency in the bay area. Jed promises the world, signs a head coach to a long contract with many promises and high expectations, and Grant hates the hire and alienates the coach -see Singletary, Harbaugh, Tomsula, Kelly, and now Shanahan.

      1. Actually, Grant is on record saying Kyle Shanahan was the best HC available for the 49ers this hiring cycle. So ….. you’re only making yourself look bad Grant.

        How you don’t see that is simply mind boggling to some of us!

      2. I credit you here. Harbaugh is someone who demands loyalty and respects honesty. If you can list him as your friend, that is a commanding compliment to your character and professionalism.

          1. Nonsense-Harbaugh likes those that don’t like Jed & the 49ers. When Harbaugh was rolling in Sf he had no use for the sports writers & media. Harbaugh is vengeful and used those in the press here when he wants to throw negative shade on the 9ers & Jed.

        1. The bay area media hated Harbaugh when he was the coach of the 49ers at the time, as soon as he left the 49ers the Bay Area media all of the sudden loved him and now talk positively about him lol

  17. If you really think this is a bad hire then you have a crazy short memory. You wanna see a bad hire? look to the last 2 years. Or 6 years ago when we hired Baalke.

  18. He didn’t choke the game away. Calling the play and executing the play are different things. With your logic the Patriots win goes directly on Josh McDaniels shoulders and not Brady’s.

  19. “How do you like this hire?”
    I think it’s yuge. I’m biggly excited and very optimistic. Shanny and Lynchie are very nice people.
    But I’d strongly recommend that they retain Rathman who will make sure that the RBs know when and how to pick up the blitz before they step on to the field.

      1. Thank you, Brotha. Having watched the Niners for 30 years to this year, I’m hoping the last miserable 11 years (last 15 sans Harbaugh) are behind us!

  20. Nice try Grant, but to no avail.

    Shanny called the right plays against the defense the Patriots were using, his players simply didn’t execute in the end!

    I put more far, far more onus on and Ryan than I do Shanahan. It’s up to the players to execute. A veteran like Ryan has to know you absolutely cannot take that sack late in the game. He froze, when the game was on the line. It’s really that simple. His internal clock glitched, and he took a brutal sack, that he’ll never live down..

    The Patriots were stacking the box after Atlanta went up 25 points, knowing Atlanta would try and run clock, but Matty Ice is clearly no longer Matty Ice, and Dan Quinn should have huddled up with his offense at least one more time to reiterate the importance of that situation on that final failed drive, once they got into field goal range. As we know, one play can determine the outcome of a game. Not to mention, Brady threw 3 balls that were tipped and usually picked off on the final drive alone, not even counting the miracle catch Edleman made that usually ends up in the hands of the defense. Not saying Shanahan called a perfect game, but it’s easy to second guess.

    BOTTOM LINE: KYLE CALLED WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WINNING GAME, HAD HIS PLAYERS EXECUTED PROPERLY!

    Matt Ryan deserves the blame, and Atlanta went into a shell, semi-prevent defense too early, which is always a killer! Even then, it took not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 very fortunate plays by the Patriots, plus 2 successful, back to back 2-point plays for the Pats to tie it up late, and of course they won the toss, like the lucky bitches they are!.

    I like that Shanny took responsibility, and the good news is, he’s a masterful OC who now has Super Bowl experience, and certainly will be extra motivated to get back to the promise land and right this wrong.

    Nothing has changed in my mind. Like Maiocco said: “After spending a few hours next to Kyle Shanahan over the past week, I can’t imagine there was a better head-coach candidate this year”.

    Kyle Shanahan is a “dream hire” …… https://theringer.com/san-francisco-49ers-hire-kyle-shanahan-nfl-c9502a1f865a#.4io3bebrr

    1. Matt Ryan and Devonta Freeman both deserve blame. Players not making their assignments or making errors always deserve blame when it costs a team the game. But that doesn’t make Shanahan blameless. He’s the one that called the slow developing pass play when it wasn’t needed. He put Freeman and Ryan in a position that allowed for their errors to take them out of scoring range. Unnecessary.

      But you know what? That doesn’t make him a bad coach. Just means he made a bad call.

      1. He put Freeman and Ryan in a position that allowed for their errors to take them out of scoring range.

        So it is Shanahan’s fault Freeman blocked like crap and Ryan failed to throw away the ball like any good QB does in such a situation. Gotcha.

        1. Its Shanahan’s fault he put them in a position where those mistakes would cost them the game, because it was unnecessary.

              1. You didn’t even offer a rebuttal. You merely changed your wording and nothing more, hence you did not offer a rebuttal.

              2. You reworded it to try to prove your point. That is an example of a circular argument.

              3. I reworded it in hopes it might clear up the confusion you clearly had in your response, which took what I said as saying it was Shanahan’s fault the players made mistakes. That wasn’t what I said.

              4. He put Freeman and Ryan in a position that allowed for their errors to take them out of scoring range.

                You are essentially placing the faults of the players on Shanahan with this comment. The mistakes of the players and the play-calling are separate things, and there is no guarantee the mistakes would not have occurred if Shanahan had kept the ball on the ground.

              5. Obvious repetition for one, or an indication the Patriots knew what the play was before the Falcons offense had even set. I think those with the All-22 (I think that is the correct term) can help answer this.
                One thing I would also like those with the All-22 to look at, if they can, is how often Ryan snapped the ball too early in the second half. Cosell indicated Ryan snapped the ball too early on one down. I would like to know if that is true.

              6. “You are essentially placing the faults of the players on Shanahan with this comment.”

                Not at all, and in conjunction with my other comments it should be pretty clear that is not my intent. I am saying Shanahan deserves some of the blame for putting them in that position in the first place. Again, simply because it was unnecessary at the time to run a higher risk play.

                Look, I get it, mistakes happen and you can’t blame the coach when a player f’s up. I agree with you, and I am not blaming Shanahan for the player’s mistakes. But a coach needs to be aware of the situation, and when it is time to take certain risks. This was not the time.

            1. Calling a pass up 8 was unnecessary. That’s the point.

              Yes it wasn’t executed. It shouldn’t have been called to start with. At least that’s what my “Football For Dummies” says.

              1. And I am still waiting on that nonexistent evidence to prove the claim.

              2. As I just finished saying to Scooter, there is no real evidence of the play-calling being good or bad. That’s really my point to everyone saying the play-calling was bad.

      2. I get what you’re saying scooter, and Shanahan took it like a man, but come on, MATT RYAN, 4× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, NFL Most Valuable Player (2016),First-team All-Pro (2016), NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2016), Bert Bell Award (2016), NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008), First-team All-American (2007), ACC Player of the Year (2007), Manning Award (2007) and
        Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2007), takes a sack at when everyone in the world who follows football knows, it’s the one thing you cannot afford to do in that situation?

        Make no mistake, this one is on Ryan, and that stupid, conservative defensive play calling while trying to hold onto a big lead, that comes back to bight teams more often than it should.

        As great as Kyle is, the Patriots know how to finish games when the lights are the brightest. Atlanta, as young as they are on defense, clearly got rattled, and gassed, and football is a crazy game sometimes. It’s always easy to second guess when something goes wrong. Just ask the Seahawks, not giving the ball to Marshawn at the goal line, when everyone in the world who follows football knew that was the right thing to do!

          1. Most of the blame, I would say! This is not a 2nd year QB! He literally froze in the clutch, he really did. It’s not like Atlanta missed a block on that last, fatal sack, Matt Ryan simply held the ball longer than any experienced QB who has an internal clock in his head and understand the situation, should. And he’s what, an 8 year vet, 4 time pro bowler and league MVP?

            Give me a break!

            1. And let’s also recognize that Matt Ryan was so ……. deer in the headlights, in the 4th QTR, he wasn’t even running the clock down to 2, or 1 second, while nursing that 4th QTR lead.

              Simply unacceptable!

              1. To be honest I thought this would happen to the Falcons one game earlier, in the NFCCG. Ryan is a choker.

        1. Make no mistake, this one is on Ryan, and that stupid, conservative defensive play calling while trying to hold onto a big lead, that comes back to bight teams more often than it should.

          As great as Kyle is, the Patriots know how to finish games when the lights are the brightest. Atlanta, as young as they are on defense, clearly got rattled, and gassed, and football is a crazy game sometimes.

          Yes! Thank you!

    1. That’s what I saw. First half they did great. Second half, the Pats went to the shotgun and Quinn blew it. Never got consistent pressure and Brady, getting way too much time to pass, carved up their lousy #27 ranked defense.

  21. How do I fell about this in light of yesterday’s choke job? I’m glad he learned his lesson on the Falcons dime.

    1. The HC didn’t learn on Seattle’s dime. 2nd and short against NE in the super bowl and Seattle throws the INT.
      Atlanta 3rd and short against NE and Atlanta passes also.

      1. Even if the HC was a Defense Coordinator at the time. Bottom line is you have the league MVP and highest scoring offense in the league taking the ball up 8. I would have put the ball in his hand as well.

  22. Shanahan, Lynch and Peters maybe the best combination we have had in years. Add that to the fact that maybe York has learned some valuable lessons. I also love the 6 year contracts. I’m extremely excited about the future. I just hope that fans will be a little patient.

  23. This has probably already been mentioned, but did anyone else have flashbacks to Super Bowl XXIII when Brady took the field for that last drive in regulation?

  24. You are pathetic Grant. I’m guessing you’d rather having JimTom coaching the team. Get behind the 49ers or get another job.

  25. I was not in favor in this hire and preferred McDaniels but once he withdrew his name then York had no choice but to hire him. Only time will tell if he can lead this team back to respectability. I see another Nolan like hire that will get 4yrs before he is fired.

    1. Except Kyle and Nolan are nearly polar opposites.

      Other than that, I guess it’s similar, SMH!

      Come on man! This is just silly talk now!

  26. Plain and simple, Shanahan lost the game. He called the plays and Quinn put it in his hands as he have all season long. Shanahan called 4 pass plays on 3rd n short…all 4 plays ended up in sacks with the last one being a sack\fumble. Funny how folks make excuses for those they favor.

  27. How do you like this hire in light of how Shanahan choked away the Super Bowl?

    I never thought it would come to this but the Rams came out ahead. They hired the best coach and staff this offseason. The Niners have once again, the 4th best coach in their division.

  28. Even if he did choke that game away (and I don’t believe he did), I bet he learned from it. I think the 49ers got the best HC candidate out there in 2017.

  29. The lets blame Shanny for Atlanta losing the SB is to typical of 49er fans. The inability to see the variables involved which dictate the outcome of games is nothing new here. They might as well just put names on dividers and spin to see who they will blame next.

  30. Same people who say Singletary was a terrible coach and lost games from players mistakes are now giving Shanahan a pass by blaming players and not him

    1. I am sure the coaching strategy that every OC expects their QB to understand is situational awareness. When you have the league MVP taking snaps up 8 points in the super bowl with the highest scoring offense in the league, why not call a pass play? Matt Ryan is an experienced QB. He should have had enough wherewithal to understand taking a sack was not an option.
      The mistake wasn’t that play but rather the conservative play calling during the second half that put Atlanta in a position to attempt a more aggressive play call on 3rd down.
      The play is made more difficult by the fact that the Defensive player didn’t even hit Ryan. It was his own lineman pushed into him that caused the sack as I recall.

  31. Hello Grant you always want to be negative about what the niners do…. you didn’t say anything when Tomsula or Kelly came aboard….. now you start questioning the hire of a promising HC that you said he blow the SB….. That’s not fair I like your work but wy don’t you go cover for the Vegas Raiders instead …. I’m sorry but you are always negative IMO just saying…

    1. The Bay Area media are mostly Raider fans they hardly would say anything positive about the 49ers when they were winning with Harbaugh

  32. This is the best thing that has happened since Trent Baalke left, since Adam Gase and Vic Fangio left, since Coach Mariucci left.

    Grant’s friend Jim Harbaugh inherited a gifted core of players and had great success even without a real Offensive Coordinator, but Mr. Baalke talked Mr. York into shutting that door, and Coach Harbaugh refused to consider an OC change, dooming himself and the team.

    Pretty sure Mr. Baalke was on the Cowboy’s payroll…

    1. Good point about harbough refusing to make an OC change. I’ve mentioned that many times before. You can say that is harbough- loyal to a fault. But that was not the the case with Alex smith.

      If harbough would’ve made that change at oc I wonder if he still would’ve been here.

  33. Wow – so much has happened since I last posted on this blog. New HC, new GM, lots of new posters. Looks like I’ve missed some of the excitement.

    Where is my buddy BayArea Fanatic or DS94?

    1. Claude,
      Welcome back — it may be now safe to be a Niner fan again :) Some of the your old buddies are still around. We are all older, if not wiser.

    2. We’ve got subs for both Clawed! You’ll pick ’em out.
      Whaddup?

      Now where dat 49erGirl? We gots hope, sista!
      (NO!! Not you, Mary!)

    3. Balls, Grant let you in again? Welcome back.

      >>Where is my buddy BayArea Fanatic or DS94?

      No longer here. But never fear, dunning kruger is still rampant even without the aforementioned. Jordo popped in once or twice this last season. Did he ever pay up? ;)

    4. Howdy, Claude. It is nice to see you back.

      Yes, we have some new posters around here. Unfortunately, the ability of many of these new(er) posters to differentiate among facts, arguments, and unsubstantiated opinion is commensurate with that of those you reference.

    5. If this is truly an entry from our long lost brother CB, then welcome back man you’ve been missed!

  34. Grant –

    I’m confused as to why you are dissing Coach Shanahan for his zone blocking scheme after suggesting two running backs in your Mock Draft that fit the same scheme.

    I’m guessing Coach Shanahan’s new system will be again be somewhat of a hybrid, so based on what he and John Lynch see when they review the videos you may get your wish (es) and they may also use some inside runs.

  35. At least he signed, he is a even better signing than Harbaugh at the time.
    Now install a modern wco.

  36. Welcome Kyle! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for our once proud franchise. Please keep in mind that you must never call a play that could be perceived by the football experts on this blog and other media outlets as being risky, chancy, ballsy, stupid, catastrophic, chokey, mismanaged, ill-timed, ignorant, without thought, naive, or ill-prepared. Please plan on making every call perfect. Of course, that depends slightly on the players actually executing the play called. Just a minor detail. Otherwise it’s all your fault. Good luck JL and KS! Exciting times!

  37. Best part of the released statement is Kyle paying minimal lip service to Jed and the York Family as he then goes on to praise and align himself with both the 49ers of yesteryear and John Lynch. He left no uncertainty as to whom he feels accountable to, and the list features the fan base and John Lynch, with the Yorks not even featuring.

    As long as Kyle is left to work with Lynch unmolested by Jed, I will remain hopeful and open-minded.

  38. Do you guys even know that this is his real name? It’s on his birth certificate.

    “Earl Thomas III ain’t got nothin on me!!!”

  39. The more I think about how the 49ers have the #2 pick in the draft, the more I think if Trubisky rates highly at the combine and with Gruden, and does well on the wonderlich, he’s our guy. Yes, next year’s crop might be better, but we may not be able to draft the 1 or 2 guys that make it better.

    Also, the idea that drafting Trubisky would set the franchise back 2 years if he only develops into a mediocre QB isn’t necessarily true. This team needs a bridge QB, needs a backup QB, and for Shanahan’s investment in training the guy, at least you would probably get a good backup for 4 years or more. QBs get hurt. Backup QB is a position of value, particularly if he starts for 2 years–you weren’t going to get anyone that good for the next two years anyway.

    Finally, this is entertainment. The potential of having our franchise QB on the team and getting to see him develop with a new coach and GM is more entertaining than a great linebacker, even if that guy would turn out to be Patrick Willis (but not if Trubisky turns out to be Giovanni Carmazzi).

    1. Dude, Gruden loves everyone. Take anything he says with a grain of salt.

      Seriously, he may have won with Dungy’s roster. And he’s good with strategy and tactics. But like so many other NFL head coaches he’s not a good a personnel man.

  40. I’m willing to bet if Kyle Shannahan would have won, Grant would have said, Nice win, to bad he won’t have Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in San Francisco.. He still could change his mind

    1. It’s been better for me, local, the last couple of hours. Shut down while you crash and may be better manana. Or just 3rd World Coyote Country.

  41. Many have ripped the coaching, but I wish to point out how easy it is for the officiating to affect the outcome of the game.

    With the magic of replay, I saw many cases where the refs flagged ticky tacky calls on the Falcons, while swallowing their whistles when Pats O linemen were engaged in holding and cut blocking.

    It was so blatant, it was sickening. Do not believe me, just replay the game.

    Glad the Falcons went classy and did not rip the officiating, but it was so egregious, it put the integrity of the game in question. That 2 point play had 2 players blocking down field while the ball was in the air. Of course, the Pats would NEVER stoop to cheating to win games.

    1. That’s how the Patriots beat the Rams. They committed holding on Marshall FAulk virtually every time he went out for a pass. And while I hate the Rams, and was happy to see them lose, I still saw how the Patriots were getting away with cheating.

      1. Holding! Holding! In the NFL?

        Holding is cheating! Holding is cheating! In the NFL?

        You sir are amazing. I challenge you to find a single play in any NFL game that doesn’t involve someone holding.

        1. I am going to double and say the Pats may have gotten their jocks handed to them in the first 3 quarters, but became so desperate, they probably cheated and listened in on the play calls. Sure did look like they knew where the ball was going to. Of course, Trump left in the third quarter to put the fix on. ;p

    1. That sounds crazy to me. Please come here and run an offense that you have never run before???
      Wow. :/

    1. Good hands for a physical freak. This kid just swallows up yardage with every long stride. He’s currently number #46 on my big board.

  42. Can this site be fixed already? I am tired of my posts going elsewhere besides its intended destination and freezing up while typing up a post on my laptop AND phone. And please add an edit button while you are at it.

    1. Ever since Grant demanded that raise and got it, the websites technical support has slowly degraded…;>)

  43. Presumptive 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan preached the importance of finding a franchise quarterback.
    “Teams who don’t have one of those guys usually struggle to be there at the end of the year unless they have one of the top defenses in Super Bowl history or NFL history,” Shanahan said. “You need a quarterback to consistently be competitive. That’s what everyone is looking for.” Finding “one of those guys” will presumably be Shanahan’s and GM John Lynch’s first order of business when they finally get to work following the Super Bowl. Colin Kaepernick is the only quarterback currently under contract for 2017, and it is likely he opts out or is released before free agency opens in March.– Roto World

  44. I for one am glad that Shanahan learnt his mistakes coaching the Falcons (who i care a rat’s ass about) and comes over to the Niners with still the burning desire to reach the mountain top.

    Found his following comment interesting – “We are looking for individuals who work hard and are dedicated to doing things the right way, always in the best interest of the team”. That means certain players wont be let back in from the proverbial Steve Young parking lot.

    1. Hah ha ha right one, and that’s as it should be. The primary order of business ought to be to sweep the house clean of poor decision-makers and the roster clean of those mediocre and uncoachable players who have dominated the conversation for the last few years, but delivered next to nothing. The 49er’s prospects are starting to rise above the horizon again, more brightly than they have in decades. The Shanahan long-term hire is a dreamt-for gift to this organization and, I surmise, Lynch as well.

    1. The #1 ‘journalistic tool’ of sports journalism — the Whipsaw Position. When a team loses, no matter what the coach did, it was wrong (regardless if just a month before you were on the other side of the fence in same circumstance):

      1. IF coach plays aggressively, THEN coach is lambasted for ‘being too aggressive’ when players fail to execute.

      2. IF coach plays conservative, THEN coach is lambasted for ‘being too conservative’ when players fail to execute.

      And that’s about 90% of sports ‘journalism’ right there. The other 10% is just making stupid stuff up while slandering players, coaches, owners, etc.

      1. You summed it up very nicely MosesZD. However, it should be noted that, at times, there can be evidence showing a coach can be too aggressive or conservative.

      2. +1000 Moses. Honestly, this type of second guessing after the fact is the laziest form of journalism in the world. My 15 year old nephew could play that game, just as well as Grant!

        Now, if Grant had predicted Kyle would call the game he did, before the fact, he’d have a case. But, as far as I know he didn’t, so this is simply child’s play.

  45. >>How do you like this hire in light of how Shanahan choked away the Super Bowl?

    JFC. Is that what we are looking at from Grant the next 6 years?

    1. dumb ass statement– did Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady try to choke away the Super Bowl when on the 1 yard line in overtime they tried to throw a fade pattern that was almost picked? Did Josh McDaniels almost choke when they were behind a date in regulation and he almost threw two interceptions? Should Josh have been telling Tom the whole time –be more conservative don’t throw to those guys in the middle of the field only throw swing passes to your running backs to avoid turnovers? It’s all about execution the head coach we just got knows how to execute a very high-level and had a great game plan. Go look at the play thatRyan fumbled on the missed block–the receivers running wide-open & would have been a TD. I’ll take Shanny Jr any day. I guess the Niner fans that are pissed off think somebody better was available?

      1. Er… The way I read it, he wasn’t criticizing Shanahan. He was criticizing Grant.

        And if you were criticising Grant and his poison pen article it’s not coming across very well.

      2. >>dumb ass statement

        If that was a comment on Grant’s statement I’m entirely in agreement.

    2. Grant over the next 6 years:? Well, if the military draft is reinstated (and age eligibility expanded), Grant could be toting a weapon in Eastern Europe in the not-too-distant future…

  46. Undercenter,

    Msc doesn’t comment on here anymore but I follow him on Twitter. Has some pretty witty stuff, especially during the Super Bowl.

      1. Same here Under. I hope his wife is winning her battle with cancer.

  47. Kevin Lynch – A source close to Colin Kaepernick said he has not decided to opt out of his contract despite media reports to the contrary. Kaepernick will not make any decision on his deal until he meets with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.

    1. I think this is his most practical move and that he and his agent know it. It’s conceivable the Niners will be his only market.

    1. How fun would it be to follow Mr. Perfect, Grant Cohn, aka Stat-man, around for a week, second guessing every decision he makes?

    2. This is why I took exception to the comments questioning his ability as a play caller. Whether you hated the calls in the 4th quarter or not, you can’t question the body of work. Top ten offenses in 6 out of 9 years as an OC, and equally adept in both run and pass. What can be questioned is points scored. There are 3 top ten finishes in this category but 6 in the bottom half of the league. That will be something to keep an eye on.

      1. If you can question points scored, you can question his ability as a play caller. Yards are great, but ultimately meaningless.

        1. Not really. He has 3 top ten scoring offenses to his credit along with the high yardage totals so it’s obvious he’s pretty good at what he does. I would like to have a look at the factors involved in the years his offense was low in points scored though.

          1. You were the one that said points scored can be questioned. You are arguing with yourself! :-P

            1. Points scored aren’t automatically linked to play calling Scooter. As I said I’d like to see the factors involved in why some of those offenses ranked lower in points scored.

              1. Play calling is a very large part of scoring points. Just like it is a very large part of moving the football. I fail to believe you are questioning that. And just like moving the football, other factors also play a role – chief among them the talent on offense.

              2. Here’s what I’m saying Scooter:

                He’s got enough of a track record of offenses that can move the football that I don’t think anyone should worry about his play calling.

                The question I have is why are there years where there has been a drop off in points scored? In three of his nine seasons he has had top 10 scoring offenses and the other 6 have featured middle of the back to close to the bottom scoring offenses, so I’m interested in finding out why that is. The reason I’m not tying that to play calling is that he’s had scoring success multiple times along with the big yardage, so it leads me to believe as you pointed out that it may have more to do with the talent he had to work with in those years. If that’s the case, we really do need to get better skill position players in here asap.

              3. And what I am saying is that scoring points is as big a part of play calling as moving the football. Good play callers know how to move the football into the end zone when space becomes more limited. So one can indeed question his play calling if one can question his ability to score points.

                Big yardage can happen for teams that find themselves behind on the scoreboard regularly.

                And all of this despite the fact I don’t have concerns about his play calling. Go figure. I just think your reasoning is out. If you are going to question why his teams have struggled to score points you can definitely start having questions about his play calling. Even if they are ultimately proven wrong.

              4. I think it’s time to move on. We aren’t getting anywhere either because we aren’t understanding each others point or agree somewhere in there and are stating the same thing a different way. Whatever the case, hope you are having a great summer Scooter.

              5. I’m happy with moving on. I am clearly struggling to convey my point!

                The summer has been pretty good for the most part, but the last month has been very hot and humid. Its funny, most places summer is the best part of the year weather wise, but here you get nine months of great weather and then summer hits…

              6. We just seem to have that problem once in awhile Scooter. Let’s just leave it as we’ll see what Shanny can do with what he has in SF.

                I’ve never been to Australia but I’ve heard the summer is a beast. That’s why I love SoCal. Great weather almost all year long.

              7. Yep. For the record, I think Shanahan is a great OC and play caller. We saw this season what he can do when given the pieces to work with.

    3. This does nothing regarding his missteps in the 4th quarter on Sunday. Also, don’t agree that anyone should be overly concerned with how he will do in SF. I’ll be quite happy if he has a chance to blow playcalls in the SB as 49ers HC.

  48. This site is limping along, so my apologies if this has already been posted:

    From Rotoworld:

    Matt LaFleur – C – Rams

    Rams hired Matt LaFleur as offensive coordinator.

    1. “Also, he shouldn’t be judged by those mistakes alone.”

      Bingo. Yes, he made mistakes. Every coach makes mistakes. Doesn’t make him any less a good play caller.

    1. It makes a certain amount of sense, but I expect he will play for the Rams next season. They need a reliable target for Goff.

  49. Seb,

    Yesterday I forgot to include part B to our diaglog.

    Part B:

    All on this website are aware of your unabashed loyalty to Kap, to the point you jeopardize the integrity of “team” meaning. My prior football coach always reminded us: “There is no I in team. However, you believe there is a K (for Kap ) in team.

    This is unhealthy, Seb, and the reason why your posts are no taken seriously.

    The unhealthiness part is where you have the audacity to compare Kap’s road record, or compare anything Kap has done to 4 time Superbowl record, Joe Montana, who still holds the SuperBowl record of zero interceptions in 4 SuperBowl appearances.

    Also, there’s another little record, most NFL experts believe is the Joe DiMaggio record of the NFL–one that Brady or Bellichek would never break, even if they coached a thousand years in the NFL. That is, 18 consecutive road wins, including 2 SuperBowl victories, and would have included a 3rd, had Roger Craig not fumbled as they were running the football to center it for an easier game winning NFC Championship FG. I’ve been corrected over the years with folks telling me on this site that the 49ers were not centering the football prior to the game winner, but running clock…I watched the game closely. They were doing both. lt was stated by broadcasters during the game.

    My point, here, Seb, is that Montana was elite, and that team, we all know should have won that game and would have won the SuperBowl to make it 3 SuperBowl victories in a row—something Brady and Bellichek have never done—that haven’t even won back-to-backs.

    Which leads to my conclusion.

    Since we all know your Kap infatuation blinds you to team concepts, even to the point, of shall we say, as we debated yesterday, and to put it more politely. Okay, you didn’t grovel to Grant to stop writing Kap news stories, however, you had one foot in that definition by writing your own column, chiding Grant, and practically asking him not to write anymore Kap stories or you were going to call in Lowell on this…That’s going overboard, Seb.

    Also, you stated that Shanahan will be bright in his novel uses of Kap, perhaps rolling him out–using his legs more. However, once again, Seb, you’re behind the curve on this. The current 49er stories all say Kap is leaving, and Kyle want’s nothing to do with Kap.
    Also, by Shanahan wanting nothing to do with Kap, You imply that Kyle is not bright for not realizing that Kap has some latent greatness the rest of us posters are unaware of…Like you’re the “Salmon of Knowledge.”

    So, Seb, once and for all. Since it’s obvious you think Kyle is a dummy for not realizing Kap’s greatness, and you argue with anyone who suggests otherwise, you’ve left us all with the overwhelming impression you’re leaving on the same jet plane as Kap, since you’re not a team player, but a Kap player.

    You will keep your word to us, Seb, and leave when Kap does, right, or you will be considered a hypocritical liar?

  50. I now have to post a comment before I can see an updated board listing. Not sure what kind of relationship you have with the IT dept. Grant, but this site is in need of repair.

  51. Seb,

    Yesterday, I forgot part B of our dialog for you to respond to.

    Part B:

    My old football coach said: “there’s no I in team.” All on this site know you believe there’s a K (for Kap) in team. Since team concepts allude you, even to the point of comparing Kap’s 4-2 road playoff record to Joe Montana’s 4 SuperBowl victories while throwing zero interceptions (something a Brady/Bellichek tandum has never done) or achieving what most sports experts say is the Joe DiMaggio record for the NFL, that is, 18 straight road victories, including 2 SuperBowl wins, and should have been 3 in a row if not for the Roger Craig fumble (a Brady/Bellicheck team hasn’t even won back to back SuperBowls).

    Also, you mentioned that Shanahan will use Kap wisely by roling him out. But news articles state that Shanahan wants nothing to do with Kap. So, now you’re calling our coach, unwise, because, he, like the rest of us on this blog, don’t see what you see.

    So, since you think our new coach is a dunce and Kap is a one man team, you’ve created the impression that you want to leave with Kap. If you don’t, will you be man enough to post for all to see, that you’re a hypocrite and a liar for not leaving ?

    NFL’s Most Unbreakable Records:

    San Francisco 49ers (18 consecutive road wins from 1988-1990)

    Winning on the road in the NFL is tough business. Doing so for a stretch of two-plus seasons is nearly impossible, unless you’re the talent-laden 49ers of the late-1980s, early-1990s. The 49ers won the Super Bowl following the 1988 and 1989 seasons, and were vying for a rare three-peat during the 1990 season. With teams routinely gunning for defending Super Bowl champions at every chance they get, it’s amazing what the 49ers were able to pull off and this accomplishment only speaks to their status as one of the NFL’s all-time greatest dynasties.

    http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000415162

  52. The crux of the matter is just plain common sense.

    There is a cost benefit analysis with risks and rewards factored in.
    The risk of a sack was too great, and the field position was more critical.

    Moving backwards was like shooting oneself in the foot.

    Therefor, they should have called quick plays that got the ball in the hands of his playmakers, and if he encounters a rush, he must heave the ball out of bounds to avoid the sack. The Pats were expecting a run on first down, so that may have been the ideal time to do a play action pass. Still, even a novice would have seen the advantages of just running 4 wide out sets to spread them out, then plowing ahead with QB sneaks.

    Glad KS is signed, and Now that Baalke is gone, the Niners may have a chance,

Comments are closed.