Posted By: RealFan49 (17/09/2008 11:44:06 AM)
Comment: Re-read #6 more than once - goose bumps every time - good writing.

Posted By: mike in canada (17/09/2008 11:05:00 AM)
Comment: hey matt, great stuuf and good niners win speaking of positive plays i wonder if i was the only to notice the tackle that nate clements made. I do not recall the details it was 2nd half maybe 4th quarter. it was a 3rd down and medium and the receiver ran a hook. the ball was high and clements moved in for the tackle. It was close to the sideline and clements had the awareness to carry the receiver out of bounds. resulting in an imcomplete. it ended the drive and got the offense back on the field. it was a small 'big' play that made a difference. i am not sure if you noticed it but watch the game again, it was a great play...

Posted By: Graham (17/09/2008 10:07:27 AM)
Comment: Longtimer, get over it, man. Life's too short.

Posted By: longtimer (17/09/2008 8:36:00 AM)
Comment: Matt, you should have read the 1000 word comment. despite some spelling issues not to bad. Do you have an opening at the PD?

Posted By: longtimer (17/09/2008 8:09:36 AM)
Comment: Graham, where to start, so much that needs attention, so little time. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that your arrogant and ignorant tone is indeed not your intention but merely your naïveté coming through. Have you ever thought that perhaps you ought to spend some time explaining why Mike Nolan is not average???? Perhaps YOU are correct a real stroke of brilliance! After giving it some thought I have come to the conclusion that you are correct, Mike Nolan is not average. Average not only greatly over states his capability but his accomplishments. Out of the 32 teams in the NFL, 4 head coaches are new and thus have not accumulated a wining or losing percentage yet; out of the remaining 28, only Linehan and Kiffin have a worse record than Nolan. The fact is that after three years as head coach, of the five time world championship 49ers, Nolan does not even come close to average. You dismissed my assertion that Martz is here to take Nolan's job, your correct that is purely hyperbole. Have you heard of a guy named Dick Vermeil? I wonder where he would place his money if betting on the issue? History has a funny way of repeating itself. Does history influence you at all Graham or do you need a quote from Martz saying he is going to take Nolan's job. Time to grow up Graham. IF there is a new guy at the office and he does your job a lot better than you, you may consider looking for a new job. Martz's winning percentage as a head coach is 67.2%, Nolan's is 33.3%. It's a tough one, I know. With all your insight and all the reading you do of Matt's blog this one is a real brainteaser. I'll give you a hint---.ready? Mike Martz thinks he can do better than Nolan. You wanna know what else? History says his right!!!!!!!!!!!! How did Alex Smith do with the 49ers? How would he compare with Steve Young. I know you follow the blog with such great detail so I know you know the answer to this one, straight from our very own quarterback history. Steve Young played for Tampa Bay in 1986. He played in 11 games, threw for 2k yards, 8 TD, 13 INT, 47 sacks. He did better the next year, in 8 games he threw for 10 TD and 0 INT, but only 570 yards. In 1988 in 11 games for the 49ers, 680 yds 3 TD, 3 INT, 13 sacks. Steve Young's future in the league was questioned right up to the point he was named the starter. You remember the whole thing about the monkey on his back. Comparing Young's first three years vs. Smith's first three years: G Att Comp Pct Yds Avg TD INT SCK RATING 27 570 304 53% 3787 6.6 21 21 71 71.14 32 800 435 54.4% 4679 5.8 19 31 81 63.5 Broken down by average per game over those three years: Att Comp Pct Yds Avg TD INT SCK RATING 21 11 52% 140 6.6 .7 .7 2.6 70.73 25 13 52% 146 5.8 .6 .9 2.5 62.75 Smith and Young are comparable on accuracy around 53%, comparable in yards, and neither very impressive with their rating. Young turned out to be pretty darn good once he was brought under the mentorship of BW and Montana. You see he needed coaching. Young was one of those rare college quarterbacks that find the NFL entirely different than the NCAA and thus require a coach to help with the transition. I guess with Alex having had all those coordinators he really should have had plenty of opportunity to show us how great he is. At 24 years old you would imagine the guy is beyond needing things like coaching or consistency. I see it now, this is where Nolan showed his greatest brilliance. Drafting a 21 year old quarterback from a non drop back passing school, pay him 40 million dollars and provide him no system or coaching. This kid really sucks if he can't succeed under these circumstances. IF you pay them enough these young kids should be able to play with separated shoulders, broken shoulders, and whatever else they might be faking over. IF you get paid 40 million then you are immune to injury and your coach should be able to call you out as a wimp a crybaby. Brilliant! Back to the Baltimore defense. You agree the defense did get worse with Nolan taking over the rains, right? You accept that it is just as possible that the team could have gotten better with him being such a brilliant mind. The Billy Davis thing, that's a good one and I am gland you brought it up because with the defense giving up 40+ points at half time against Chicago you would think that it would be easy for Nolan to improve that situation. Good thing Nolan didn't give Davis the job. At least he saved the team from having the worst defense in the league although they tried real hard. Reminds me a little of the Hostler thing except on defense. It's almost like Nolan goofed up both the offensive and defensive coordinator job thing. I am glad we aired this out because now I am having a really hard time thinking he is anywhere close to average. Now I am thinking he is just a complete moron, a really bad coach, and the longer he sticks around to bring down our team, I am not even sure he is a nice guy. Well enough of the cheap arguments, lets just let his third lowest winning record speak for it self. Let's let the 40 million speak for it self. The only way I see things getting worse would be if the Rams pick up Alex Smith, let him stand on the sidelines watching their veteran quarterback for a few years, and then letting him spend the next 10-12 years beating up the 49ers twice a year. I guess by your logic, Aaron Rodgers would have been as good as he is without the benefit of coaching and mentorship from a guy named Bret!

Response: Sorry, but I didn't have the time to read your 1,000-word comment. I suggest keeping your comments much, much, much more concise. Please don't take it personally. --Matt M.

Posted By: oneniner (17/09/2008 6:55:50 AM)
Comment: shobbrobb - N.Clements forced a fumble, not sure why you are knocking him...."I would create cap room and strengthen the offensive and defensive lines" - where will this players come from ? - rookies or back up free agents.....cmon dude use the brain

Posted By: drsgrosse (17/09/2008 6:06:48 AM)
Comment: the NFL season seems to pose a series of questions. their answers determine how far a team goes. For the Sf offense right now, the two questions involve the Red Zone and quick passes. The Red Zone need is obvious. The quick pass issue would seem to be the way out of sacks.

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (17/09/2008 5:56:24 AM)
Comment: Hi Matt, Best coverage of the big plays. It seems as though we had three or four plays of over twenty yards an entire season the past five years and now they are coming in bunches. With all the retreads surfacing at the QB position (Collins, Greise, Warner, etc) you have to think Alex will get a good shot at reviving his career. But with his injury he could be finished. If we draft high again I hope we don't draft Tebow, how about a monster run stuffer.

Posted By: Rob (17/09/2008 4:53:53 AM)
Comment: I think one of the main points that Moose and especially Goose was trying to make was their suggestion that you want to pressure the QB early in the game to give him something to think about. If the defense gets some early hits in they may not even have to bring as much pressure as the game goes on just because the QB is going to worried about it. A valid point, I think. Hasselback was unfazed until the very end of the game when he was sacked by Lewis.

Posted By: Chuck (17/09/2008 3:14:29 AM)
Comment: *sigh* when are we getting matt vasgersian for a fox game? now i have to listen to baldi talk. oh well

Posted By: Graham (16/09/2008 11:28:10 PM)
Comment: Matt! That is a fascinating claim about Gore--"He's a better all-around player." Could you elaborate on that in a future post? Also, the 24-hour news media monster has moved on from Houston, but I hope you all have time for a prayer/positive though for the citizens, because it's still like a warzone down there. Usually don't like to bring things like this into discussions of football, but I'm from Houston...tough to see what folks continue to endure.

Posted By: A.E.S. (16/09/2008 11:12:26 PM)
Comment: great to see the love-fest matt, you deserve it. one thing not mentioned enough in all the breakdowns is the outstanding play made by p-will. its exactly that kind of play that can turn a game and even a season around. after watching the best defensive plays of the weekend, p-will's wins hands-down! last week martz said 'wow' after f-gore's t.d. run. this week it was m-singletary' turn.

Posted By: Moneyhaus (16/09/2008 9:26:08 PM)
Comment: Great breakdown of the plays, Matt! It made me go back to the highlight reel and check out Gore's spectacular overtime block. While I agree you can describe Martz's offense as high-risk, high-reward, I don't quite see how Hostler's scheme was high-risk at all, unless you were referring to his job safety. Though Gore has had his share of fumbles, running him down the middle on every down doesn't strike me as all that risky.

Posted By: Mike in Sac (16/09/2008 9:22:59 PM)
Comment: Matt- Two things. This game would not have been nearly as close/the comback would have started sooner if the niners red zone offense was not so "offensive." Can you pose a quesiton to the niner staff on that one? Also, any update on our injured? I am bummed that Spencer and Goldson were hurt. Thank you.

Posted By: louie (16/09/2008 9:06:34 PM)
Comment: Although I'm concerned Martz won't use the running game as much as the talent deserves(they finally have two backs that can hurt the opposing defense) and to slow down the rush, he certainly showed that JTO and the receivers are a legit NFL passing threat. What a great feeling! Now, all we need is for Nolan/Manusky to appreciate the talent they have on defense and not get caught up being so creative THEY ALMOST LOST TO AN OFFENSE THAT WAS DECIMATED BY INJURIES! The 49er defense is talented enough to shut down the weak Seahawks offense that showed up Sunday. The scheme was stupid.

Posted By: GilroyAl (16/09/2008 8:58:40 PM)
Comment: norm in the bay: Davis may come of age when they don't have to keep him in for pass protection until the o-line starts doing a consistantly good job protecting the QB on passing plays. He and Smith were young players brought in to play in a god awful offense (all 3 yrs). Put him in an decent offense for the last 3 years and he'd be light years better. I'd bet there are a lot of teams that wouldn't mind having him. Martz will bring out his talent if the o-line starts doing a better job.

Posted By: ska (16/09/2008 8:46:30 PM)
Comment: Norm - I have seen this question about Davis addressed in a number of different places including here by Matt. Davis stayed in to block a lot in this game. That is what this game dictated. We need him blocking sometimes. He was the intended receiver on a play at the end zone that Seattle got a PI on as well. Nolan was quoted by Matt saying the personality of this game did not dictate to use Davis as a receiver much. Chill out, you will see VD. I personally am glad to see him providing valuable blocks which is also a reason you did not see Walker in this game because Davis blocks better. Did you not think we moved the ball through the air just fine btw?

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/09/2008 8:45:26 PM)
Comment: V.Davis is a fraud!!!!!Dont forget this guy is the highest paid TE in the game!We could better use his money on the offensive and defensive lines,Also N.Clements(who i am a fan of)better step up his game or he should be shown the door along with TBC. J.Jennings,A.Franklin and M.Lewis.I would create cap room and strengthen the offensive and defensive lines

Posted By: Realfan49 (16/09/2008 8:42:28 PM)
Comment: Brilliant Matt, just brilliant. Thanks again.

Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (16/09/2008 8:40:39 PM)
Comment: So...how do you all like me now? Told ya Martz is the man. First 300 yard passer since 2004!! Nice job Martz.

Posted By: lenm (16/09/2008 8:36:47 PM)
Comment: I think JTO was even better then we think off the top. For example sacks means no passes thrown which makes 8 of the 32 were not thrown and 20 out of 26 is 77 percent and most long passes. That is pretty remarkable especially under a heavy pass rush. I know many qbs I have watched would have wilted under that sort of conditions.

Posted By: Samra (16/09/2008 8:32:10 PM)
Comment: Hey matt spread the word VOTE FOR PATRCK WILLIS FOR GMC DEF PLAYER OF WEEK http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-defense

Posted By: Sean, PA (16/09/2008 8:28:50 PM)
Comment: Feels great to have a good offense again Martz is the man bottom line. The third-and-14 from SF 28 where Bruce ran the sqaure in was a thing of beauty watching the replay in slow motion just shows how bright Martz is. Hate to overeact but it reminded of the 2000 rams. I believe this team has real talent and Martz will bring the best out of them all year. J.T has a chance to do big things you can just see that he has talent and can make throws most QB's can't. When people score he is the most fired up player on the field please do not over look that. This week I think the nineres will hang 40 on the Lions in a blow out. GO NINERS!!!

Posted By: Ian M (16/09/2008 7:45:54 PM)
Comment: Matt - Would you say that Gore has improved his pass blocking this year? It seems like he knew that with Martz as the coordinator he would have to pass block more and put in some work to get better.

Response: I think Frank is a better all-around player. Period. --Matt M.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (16/09/2008 7:45:07 PM)
Comment: NJM: great and a fine point about Nolan not wanting bad plays...........norm: there is a difference between talented and productive. Davis is talented and "toolsy" we just have to see him perform now. He needs to use his talents and stop alligator arming it. Brent Jones needs to show him how to go over the middle. Jones was slow and not a great athlete, but he was fearless and would catch ANYTHING. How many times did we see him run that seam route and get destroyed by a LB or Safety. Vernon should stop lifting and watch some Jones film

Posted By: jkc (16/09/2008 7:39:22 PM)
Comment: Re: Norm - "At what point does V. Davis come of age? Is he not as talented as everyone was saying?" I believe V Davis is a great blocker - as described in Matt's post he was used as a LT in one play, but for some reason, he can't translate that Toughness to receiving. In the Arizona game he wanted to juke the defenders instead of using his speed and power to run through tackles, and in the Seattle game he slowed down and short armed a play - he might not have been able to catch it and it would have definitely gotten hit if he did, but you want a Tough TE to make those kind of plays. As much as people disses Shockey, he is one Tough TE.

Posted By: TT (16/09/2008 7:38:04 PM)
Comment: Matt, great job. It truly is a pleasure to read your blog. I hadn't noticed Gore's block until you mentioned it. I just went back and took a look. I have two quick thoughts. I think JTO has the potential to have a better career than Jeff Garcia as a Niner(Garcia has 4 Pro Bowl appearances, 3 as a Niner). Also, I haven't heard anyone mention it, but I think it was a conservative decision (was it Nolan or Martz?) to let the clock run down on 2nd and 1 in the 4th qtr(I was yelling at the TV). Why not spike it and try to pick up 10 more yards- it makes for a much easier field goal. Game winning field goals get missed all the time but coaches keep doing the CYA approach and saying 'we had a chance to win it'(the niners did go for the 1st down in OT). Now Shanahan going for 2 to win or lose the game is an aggressive decision- a decision most coaches would never even consider.

Posted By: norm in the bay (16/09/2008 7:06:06 PM)
Comment: At what point does V. Davis come of age? Is he not as talented as everyone was saying? Are they just not getting him the ball? Is he not getting open? Matt, you have a really good pulse of what's going on at Santa Clara. How does he figure into the plan? Has he caught on to Martz offense?

Posted By: jsl (16/09/2008 6:54:06 PM)
Comment: Great breakdowns today, Matt. Just what we all crave. Hope you keep them up after the losses, too, tho they're obviously a more fun read after a win. One cavil: Though, like you, I was amazed by Frank's block on that OT pass to Bruce, I still think the play of the game was JTO's very quick slant to Johnson for the TD -- which showed a much quicker release than I'd thought JTO had. (Note: I think this was the only time all game when the Niners passed on first down inside the Hawks' 10; maybe Martz ought to think about doing that more often -- because the first and second down runs weren't working at all.)

Posted By: steveh (16/09/2008 6:33:32 PM)
Comment: "more material when the lose" you're a joke. maybe there will a fight in the locker room for you. no talent hack.

Posted By: Jason (16/09/2008 6:08:39 PM)
Comment: Thank you for the analysis Matt. You are awesome.

Posted By: pete (16/09/2008 6:08:08 PM)
Comment: Matt Hasn't the time come for a comparison of the A Smith A Rodgers draft debacle? It was so heavily scrutinized going into the draft and now seems a moot point. We know Rodgers had better mentoring and more consistency but who would expect anyone to flourish under so much pre season pressure. McNolan is getting away with doing a poor job on their most important task- identifying talent through the draft (Lawson, Davis, B Williams no rookies playing so far this year) and that's just the draft. Hold their feet to the fire Matt!!

Response: I'm on record as saying that whomever they chose with the No. 1 pick, we'd be having the same discussion about how it went wrong. --Matt M.

Posted By: NJM (16/09/2008 6:05:33 PM)
Comment: Matt, good plays are nice, but we all know Nolan is a coach who detests the bad plays. In that light, I wanted to point out that in looking at the 8 sacks gave up by the offensive line, David Baas gave up zero. Wait. That's right. He didn't play again. Must be that stellar play by the other guys that keeps him on the bench, even though the O line always seems to do better when he's in there...

Posted By: KingRat (16/09/2008 5:56:21 PM)
Comment: "Bruce runs past Trufant and Grant on a deep post. He catches the perfectly thrown ball at the 40 and advances it another 12 yards to the Seattle 28" Matt, overall very good breakdown, but I'm pretty sure Bruce made it to the 10 on that play...

Response: Actually, he advanced it to the 9. You were less wrong than me by 18 yards. Thanks. --Matt M.

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (16/09/2008 5:52:40 PM)
Comment: Matt, the newspaper industry wouldn't be dying if the powers that be realized that this -- your last two posts -- are what people crave. THIS!! What a completely fresh perspective on the good and bad plays.

Posted By: StonerLab (16/09/2008 5:40:57 PM)
Comment: My take on Goose & Moose was that they were not rooting against the 49ers in the telecast but simply asking the question on why the 49ers weren't the 49ers blitzing at all against a Seahawk team that was lacking at the WR position, I undestand why Nolan did what he did because Hasselbeck only threw for 50% completion & no TD's. I think where the commentators where coming from was "hey mix in a few blitz's to make Hasselbeck think about the pass rush" that's all. As for JTO having been sacked so many times I counted at least 3 of those sacks not even happening had JTO simply thrown the ball away because he definetly had the time to do just that but just held the ball too long.

Posted By: RK in LA (16/09/2008 5:37:27 PM)
Comment: Matt- Great posts today. It was a hard fought and much needed win by the Niners. The big risk, big reward offense is sooo much better. An exciting game which deserved the excellent analysis.

Posted By: SFSportsBlog (16/09/2008 5:29:25 PM)
Comment: One other media note: if we really want to bash someone, how about NBC's Football Night in America for showing 2 plays of this incredible game in their highlight package: Nedney's miss to win, and then his OT make to win. No Patrick Willis TD return. Where's the uproar about this great game being ignored? Who cares was Moose said...

Posted By: SFSportsBlog (16/09/2008 5:27:21 PM)
Comment: Lay off Moose...In Week 3 last year after Alex Smith threw that pick that Pittsburgh returned for a TD, he was openly rooting for Smith to catch the guy, even saying "good for you, Alex" to Smith for not giving up on the play. He gave Weaver similar props and I don't have a problem with that. I think in both cases, he was cheering effort - Weaver the other day and Smith last year were examples of players giving the max, which let's face it, does not happen all the time (witness Roy Williams' pursuit of Nick Barnett's INT return)...Nothing wrong with Moose giving some love to those you give the effort...

Posted By: Jeff Shaffer (16/09/2008 5:25:41 PM)
Comment: Nice work. Its funny, the negative plays made watching the game a little painful because you sit there watching in trepidation of what might go wrong next. BUT, with your write up, makes me want to watch the game again! Nice. On "Moose" rooting for the fullback, I didn't take his comments as biased when watching the game -- as a former offensive player he seems to want either offense to do well. And I did take his rooting for the fullback as kim kinda rooting for his old position to show some speed and make the play. On the flip side, his comments that the 49ers need to change their game plan and do better could be seen as a bias for the 49ers to do well.

Posted By: shobbrobb (16/09/2008 5:05:29 PM)
Comment: I think one of the most impressive things about JTO Sunday, was despite all the sacks and pressure he threw no interceptions and did not fumble,he seems to grow every game.

Posted By: Daniel (16/09/2008 4:54:34 PM)
Comment: Both entries today were really helpful, great catalogs of detail. But this big play one I couldn't help but read aloud in the voice of Harry Kalas.

Posted By: Graham (16/09/2008 4:51:13 PM)
Comment: Matt, great breakdown. I think one thing to point out is JTO's mental toughness. The Seahawks likely wanted to rattle the new guy, and he kept getting up and creating plays. For all the talk about Alex Smith's mistreatment, the QB play really is better than it's been in years.

Posted By: ninermaniac (16/09/2008 4:34:32 PM)
Comment: It seems like Moose and Goose dont like the 49ers very much. They were also complaining that the TE wasnt covered, the only time he wasnt really covered was when P-Willie left the game. All they were doing was talking about how good the seahawks were and then Moose says that the 49ers are keeping them in the game, ?. Moose on that P-Willie fox replay said "what a great hustle by weaver" allthough he missed the tackle, even though everyone knew who really hustled on that play and hes not on the hawks. Goose and Moose were also complaining about not blitzing because of the hawks decimated WR core, ITS MATT HAsselbeck, he would find an open man regardless, the 9ers were playing the WRs not Hasselbeck. Moose also circled the D-Line with that touch screen pen for no apparent reason when the hawks were in 3 WR set. Maybe all Moose remembers from the 49ers are those hits to the head when he was playing. I guess hes better than former commentator Jerry Glanville calling a tackle a sack. Anyways, in the end all that matters is a W. Though the mistakes in the last 2 games are only beating themselves, this time the 9ers got some help from the hawks mistakes, but alot of the teams on the schedule dont make those kind of mistakes, well after week 3.

Posted By: Randy in Santa Rosa (16/09/2008 4:26:37 PM)
Comment: Great read, Matt. JTO is the man! I can't wait to see what he does against the Lions. Gotta credit Nolan for bringing in Martz, who had the guts to name JTO the starter. He's quickly making Alex a distant memory...

Posted By: Toby (16/09/2008 4:00:36 PM)
Comment: Matt, this column and the sack analysis one are superb. Awesome reporting! High-risk high-reward it is and so much better than the last 4 or 5 years. The hope is that JTO will have improved a great deal by the seasons end, in all aspects, just in case we make the play-offs! Incredible performance for someone with so few starts. My biggest concern now is our inability to stop the run, although I'm hoping that'll improve when we play with a proper front seven, and not in the big nickel. For all of the "newness" on offense (new QB, 2 new OL, 2 new position OL, 2 new WR's, new FB, new OC and new system), we've looked pretty good so far. Experience of even 14 more games should improve us noticeably, I hope.

Posted By: Ed in Irvine (16/09/2008 3:50:41 PM)
Comment: I really wish I was able to watch the game. It sounded really exciting online through KNBR and I only hope that Candlestick can get that loud. That 12th man there in Seattle is a huge asset.

Posted By: TL (16/09/2008 3:42:17 PM)
Comment: Is called Tivo

Posted By: gw2 (16/09/2008 3:37:40 PM)
Comment: Is there another reporter for ANY nfl team who gives his fans as good insights as Matt Maiocco? GIVE MATT A RAISE!

Posted By: P. in Hawaii (16/09/2008 3:25:21 PM)
Comment: Matt; Hands down, you are the best!!!!

Posted By: PD (16/09/2008 3:25:03 PM)
Comment: Matt - Not quite related to your articles about offense/sacks, but no one mentioned Clements play to pop the ball out of the WRs hands. I don't think it led to points, but nonetheless I believe the Hawks may have almost been in position to score. Also - I believe McNolan have mentioned in the past they will do everything to get their best guys on the field. Schematically this week, they left Manny out of the Defense and we got ripped a new one with all the running that they did. Stats show that we won defensively through the air but not on the ground. With Manny on the sidelines, I don't see how we have our "best guys" on the field.

Posted By: Mark W. (16/09/2008 3:16:59 PM)
Comment: Hats off to Matt for a VERY nice piece of work on the big plays analysis. I'd love to be able to watch that last one again and check out Gore's block. If there is a link, someone tell me.

Posted By: 9RFAFUL (16/09/2008 3:08:57 PM)
Comment: Outstanding analysis as usual Matt. I'd like to see Jason Hill get a few snaps sooner than later in place of Battle. Battle can make some plays, but never game changing. Look at the Broncos with Royal; sometimes it doesn't hurt to plug in some young playmakers and see if they produce. Great win on Sunday, this week is a monster game seeing as our schedule is so difficult in October. Go Niners.

Posted By: oneniner (16/09/2008 3:06:18 PM)
Comment: Otis4949 - dude, did you just wake up?....that is the only move the defensive line has. That is one of the perks of having both J.Smith and Mcdonald on the field.

Posted By: Darth (16/09/2008 3:00:30 PM)
Comment: For years now I have been saying. All the people who got there butts handed to them in the 80's by the Former great 49er teams, are now in the booth loving to see the current Niners struggle.

Posted By: oneniner (16/09/2008 2:55:02 PM)
Comment: Razoreater - "amc pacer" that is being nice.....i will call it "1958 Zunndapp Janus"

Posted By: Otis4949 (16/09/2008 2:54:29 PM)
Comment: Something I noticed in Preseason but sparingly in the Cards & Hawks games were the Niners use of stunts. Those stunts seemed to work well in the preseason as well as the Sopoaga sack in the Cards game (If I remember correctly). The Stunt on that play came from the other side from J. Smith and Ray but it pulled the RG over to help the C leaving Sopoaga 1-on-1 the with the RT. I didn't see any stunts run against the hawks - granted I didn't watch for it but I tend to watch our dline more closely then anything else in camera view. Also when you watch the game "again" do you get special game tape that gives you different angles to watch? If so, can the average joe get their hands on something like that?

Posted By: Razoreater (16/09/2008 2:44:37 PM)
Comment: You can look at it past a row of NFL cheerleaders whose legs' are simultaneously pointed to heaven, but it still looks like an amc pacer compared to the lamborghini Romo and McNabb are driving!

Posted By: mike in MD (16/09/2008 2:42:46 PM)
Comment: Wow, nice work again. You're on your way to an alternate career as an assistant who analyzes film followed by an accurate synopsis. Gore is AMAZING. Without him in there the Defense doesn't have to account for him yet the team also counts on him to be a decoy in the backfield (probably attracting a LB) PLUS a very effective blocker when he's left in on max protects. VD's his own worst enemy being so good as a blocker. I have a feeling Martz forgets about him because of his past of not ever having/using a talented tight end & he needs his blocker. From #5 looks like Gore made a good adjustment. I was going to say he should WAIT FOR THE RUSH TO DEVELOP THEN COMMIT to the side that needs help. He does that on the very next play. Good job. From 10/5 on it's the Pats, Eagles, Giants, Seahawks, Bye, then the Cards...so brutal & all have awesome DLines. We have our work cut out for us but I think we're getting better every week. NINERS!!

Posted By: JohnL (16/09/2008 2:37:40 PM)
Comment: Love the balance of the last two blogs ... the detail provided supporting the analysis is fabulous. Question: Martz has said that there is only one right throw to make. Yet, on many plays JTO seems to be looking for alterntives. I would interested in hearing from either Martz or JTO what happened on those plays.

Posted By: kem99 (16/09/2008 2:31:26 PM)
Comment: The 8 sacks not withstanding, it still did not seem like it was the same near constant jail break to the QB that occurred last year. Obviously, JTO can't keep taking that many sacks every game or he won't last the season but at least there were enough plays where JTO had time to allow patterns to develop and he was not constantly running for his life. Little surprised there has not been more talk about problems in the red zone. If the 49ers did not settle for FGs, the game would not have been as close as it was.

Posted By: Pat (16/09/2008 2:24:18 PM)
Comment: Awesome post Matt, thank you! Question, do you do your analysis watching the normal television broadcast rewatched on DVR? Or, are you given any kind of coaches tape from the team with end zone angles, etc. I notice that watching the normal broadcast, it gets pretty hard sometimes to see what is happening downfield.

Posted By: The Other Rich (16/09/2008 1:59:14 PM)
Comment: Killer post, Matt. I could read this stuff all day. My favorite thus far...

Posted By: Lou (16/09/2008 1:58:53 PM)
Comment: Overall, I thought Moose's commentary throughout the game was very positive about the 49ers, particularly their offense. When he first made those comments on the INT return, I thought it was more about poking fun at Weaver trying to catch up with Willis. Just my $0.02.