Three keys to the game for the 49ers and the Falcons

This is the opening to my Saturday article on the keys to the game for the 49ers and the Falcons. The Falcons need a miracle to beat the 49ers this Sunday. That’s the consensus of NFL critics. The Falcons need a fire alarm to go off in the 49ers’ hotel at 3 a.m. They need the entire 49ers team — players and coaches — to evacuate the building and catch…

January 18, 2013
Read More >>

Fangio on Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers: “They’ve been running through tackles and running people over.”

SANTA CLARA – This is the transcript of Vic Fangio’s Thursday press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.   Just the matchup, the two wide receivers, how do those guys rate or compare or how difficult it is to prepare for those two guys as opposed to a lot of receiver combinations you guys have faced? “Well, they’re certainly up there as one of the best tandems in the league, if…

January 17, 2013
Read More >>

Justin Smith on the Falcons: “They have two really good running backs and they run the ball exceptionally hard.”

SANTA CLARA – Justin Smith spoke in the media tent Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a transcript of his press conference, courtesy of the 49ers.   How did you come out of the game? How did you feel Sunday? “I think it felt pretty good for the most part, just getting use to it and playing with it. It should be even better this week after going through it, knowing how it…

January 16, 2013
Read More >>

Whitner on the Falcons’ offense: “When they come in the middle of the field, we’re going to be extremely physical.”

SANTA CLARA — Donte Whitner held court at his locker Tuesday morning. Here’s what he said about the Atlanta Falcons’ offense. Q: You guys have had success against the best quarterbacks – Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees. How will translate against Matt Ryan and the unique challenges he presents? WHITNER: First and foremost, when you play the top quarterbacks in the league, you have to understand that pre-snap is…

January 15, 2013
Read More >>

Brent Jones says the 49ers will eat the Falcons alive

Brent Jones spoke on KNBR Monday afternoon. This is what he said about the 49ers’ upcoming matchup against the Falcons. Q: Are you worried about the Falcons? BRENT JONES: “I am feeling very confident. The Falcons are paper falcons. Let’s call them that. I think physically, the 49ers are going to intimidate.  I don’t think it’s going to be close in the physical matchup. “I think as far as mental…

January 15, 2013
Read More >>