Why the 49ers will win Monday night

Posted By on November 10, 2018

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, left, celebrates next to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne after scoring against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/John Hefti)

Judging just by speed, quickness, agility, balance, change of direction, strength, power, general talent and experience, the New York Giants should cream the 49ers Monday night.

The 49ers are inferior on all those fronts.

But the 49ers will win. Forget the standard metrics. These will be the five determining factors in the 49ers favor:

1. Pat Shurmur Disease.

Shurmur, the Giants’ head coach, is their main problem. The primary reason their record is 1-7. He is the plague in the Giants’ organization.

Click here to read the rest of my column.

This article has 243 Comments

  1. Cut out the disease and monster mash Manning. Sounds like a plan, Grant. New York cannot arresto momentum the Mullens magic!⚡

  2. “The Giants also gave guard Patrick Omameh a three-year, $15 million contract.”

    Whoever thought giving that contract to Omameh was a good idea should be fired. Terrible player.

      1. No. They’ve won a couple Super Bowls in the 2000’s. Are their fans preaching patience and to trust the process?

        1. Yea, we’ve got 5 SB’s but it’s ancient history Professor Hammer. They’ve also got more than enough talent to win their division, but they define underachiever. You’d be well received on the Inside the Giants blog if you were a fan, because you’d actually have a legitimate gripe….?

          1. “They’ve also got more than enough talent”

            That doesn’t matter when your offensive line is horrendous.

            1. Front office ineptitude. They’re the ones with the OL blueprint. They could’ve had a cornerstone in McGlinchey but they took the sexy RB.✨

              1. Imbecile. No one would take McGlinchey or even trade down to take McGlinchey when you have an oportunity to select a generational type talent. Did you really just have that take about their draft selection?

  3. I doubt CJ is suffering from the Everett syndrome, more likely he has a case of severe turnoveritis, makes him timid and reluctant to throw which was very apparent in his last game.

    1. Yea, CJ is much tougher than Jim Everett but like you say; it’s obvious he’s lost confidence.

      1. He’ll be fine. The kid is mentally tough. He just needs to “get it” in terms of the turnovers. He does have talent- not pro bowl caliber but could be starter somewhere down the line and is certainly more than well qualified to be a #2.

        All these losers falling in love with Mullens will soon come back to reality. The fact of the matter is, first starts for QBs often go really well. After a lengthy trial the defenses usually figure them out.

        Good job on him for the win against the Raiders but he is not even #2 material at this stage to be honest.

    2. CJ does not have Everett disease.

      CK7 is a different story; but instead of sacking himself, he takes off before getting to read number 2 , and sometimes read number one.

      1. If Kaep was running the read option, he would be making a read before the snap of the ball, a read just after the snap, and another read of the WRs.
        .
        Kaep has made multiple reads, and one game, I saw him finally throw the ball to Boldin, after his fifth read.
        .
        Keep repeating your myth, but it does not make it true.

  4. Shurmer is actually using Barkley pretty well. The OL can’t create big holes for Barkley and Barkley doesn’t excel in tight spaces. Where he excels is in space. So the Giants have been getting him the ball on the edges with short passes. The one area they could improve using him is in the deeper passing game. With OBJ, Shephard and Barkley they have a lot of speed and talent they can move around to create match ups.

    The Giants main issue is the OL. It stinks. Manning gets the blame, but he’d be ok if they could protect him better.

    1. Barkley is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and only 13.9 carries per game. Shurmur needs to find ways to hand Barkley the ball more often.

      1. Shurmur gives him the ball a lot with short passes to the perimeter where he has more space. These are basically a run. He averages more per target than per carry.

        His per carry average is massively boosted by a couple of big runs. He has a lot of negative and small gain runs which has been part of the problem in stalling the offense. He actually is more consistent getting yards in the passing game.

          1. Me too. However, 49reasons was right when he said the NFL is changing and RB/WR hybrids are becoming more in favour. As a RB/WR Barkley is great. Just so dangerous in space.

          3. Im sorry but Emmit Smith couldn’t wash Barry Sanders jock strap. The man averaged 7.5 ypc when getting to the line of scrimmage. In other words, when the lousy offensive lines he played with didn’t let opposing defenders by them like a turnstile, he was good for almost 8 yards a crack.
            I could have run for 15000 yards with larry allen and mark tunei and them guys up front.
            I realize you’re referencing his threat through the air, but emmit was not anywhere near the threat that #20 was. Imagine Barry’s numbers if he played 15 years with that offensive line and Aikman and Irvin

          4. I don’t even think Smith was close to Sanders in terms of talent.

            Smith only had to hit the hole, and would have 2 yards before he was touched, Barry had to avoid players just to make it back to scrimmage. Smith had the greatest line every assembled while Barry only a decent line for about 2 seasons and he gained 2,000 yards in one of those season.

            Smith’s YPC dropped by a full yard after he left Dallas. The Difference between him and his backups throughout his career was 0.24 ypc, while the difference between Barry and his backups was over a yard. That is largest (starter to backup) drop off among elite running backs in NFL history. Jim Brown averaged 0.89 yards per carry more than his backups (for some further perspective)

            If Barry had played behind Dallas’s Offensive line I firmly believe he would have had 3 or more 2000+ yard seasons.

        2. Barry Sanders had lots of negative runs, too. But the positive runs far outweighed the negative ones. Same is true for Barkley.

            1. What about 1 yard and a cloud of dust?

              Saquon Barkley gains more yards after contact than most NFL running backs, if not all of them. That’s a fact, look it up. Barkley is 230+ lbs, and he knows how to use it. He isn’t simply a guy who hopes to juke a defender, he can break tackles and move a pile with the best of them.

              The World Champion Philadelphia Eagles’ Head Coach, DOUG PEDERSON had this to say about Barkley: “He’s a special back now, you’ve got to understand, a special talent. He’s big. He’s powerful, very elusive. His lateral movements are quick. His long speed is exceptional, as we found out, and listen, you can’t stop your feet. Any time you go against backs — same thing with ‘Zeke’ (Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott) and Dallas, you can’t stop your feet, you’ve got to constantly be moving and somehow find a way to get these guys on the ground. You even saw it later in the game, as we had him wrapped up a few times how powerful he is, and it’s just a strain to get him on the ground. It’s a credit to him as an athlete.”

              Eagles starting LB Nigel Bradham: “He’s a good back, man,” Bradham said of Barkley, via NJ Advance Media. “He’s probably the best back in this league, honestly. He’s definitely up there with Todd Gurley, (Devonta) Freeman, guys like that. Those caliber guys who have an ability to change the game at any time. He’s one of those guys. He’s special.”

              Speaking of running backs: 49ers RB Matt Dayes has been promoted to the active roster ahead of Monday Night’s game vs the Giants – per Adam Schefter

              Yah baby! I respect Alfred Morris, but he’s lost a step, and really seems to struggle to get out around the edge on those outside zone runs. With the unfortunate season ending injury to Mostert, I’m looking forward to having a look a Dayes. Hopefully he gets a few touches tonight.

          2. Yes. Sanders was great to watch. So is Barkley. But both players have another thing in common – lots of drives killed off due to negative plays. I know the players around Barkley will get all the blame, just like the players around Sanders did, but consistently putting yourself in 3rd and long only ends one way.

            1. Sanders is one of the most dominant running backs of all time along with Bo Jackson, Walter Payton, Jim Brown and Gael Sayers.

              1. Yes, and one of the greatest to watch. I loved watching him play. Love watching Barkley play. Unfortunately for Sanders he was stuck on a bad team. I hope Barkley doesn’t have to spend his career on a bad team too.

                Give either of those guys some space and they make you look silly.

                However, that doesn’t change that Sanders wasn’t a guy that reliably chewed out yards play to play. And that was a problem for the team, as much as the big plays were great for the team. Barkley has been somewhat the same so far.

              2. Sanders had to make defenders miss just to get back to the line of scrimmage. Same is true for Barkley.

          3. “Barry Sanders had lots of negative runs, too. But the positive runs far outweighed the negative ones. Same is true for Barkley.”

            Yup, and you had to gameplan against Barry. Look at what we’re talking about, we have to limit the big plays. Plus Barkley can go for 100 receiving yards in any given game. Never understood the disrespect for Barkley on here. Yes, I know people weren’t saying he would be a bum, but he was absolutely a generational prospect and worthy of a top 5 pick.

              1. It’s a shame how his career ended. Could have gotten a ring with Baltimore. Would have had more yards than Payton, possibly even Smith.

  5. Grant,

    During the Offseason, didn’t you pick the Giants as your surprise NFC team to improve from last to first and make the play-offs? What has changed now? :)

    I think that this game won’t be a cake walk for the 49ers. I mean this team has the propensity to lay an egg when everyone least expects it.

    1. The fact that the Giants team is healthy, meanwhile the 49ers are missing their starting quarterback, starting tailback, starting WLB, starting SS, starting ZWR, and they’re favored is a mind boggler….?

      2. Do you recall how much better the 49ers o-line looked last year when JG took over? He was quick and decisive with his reads so the o-line didn’t have to hold their blocks for a long time. IMO that is the problem with the Giants offense. The plays take way too long to develop and Manning is holding the ball way too long. Giants have probably the best skill position players in the NFL but they are awful because their QB is awful.

  6. College season about to wrap up….its probably the best time to watch the best players go against each other

    I am not sold on bosa…….i like ALL he brings to the table….but just sounds to good to be true………….

    I also like the DE from Clemson…..he looks ready …matured ….

    I am currently setting my eyes on Florida State DE BRIAN BURNS #99 and he reminds me so much of Aldon Smith on the field…
    He his very athletic and smart….

    Watching him play against ND in a blowout and his motor is still On point…..

        1. At 235 lbs. can he set the edge and hold up in the running game or is he a situational pass rusher?

          1. Considering teams play in sub packages more than base… I would argue that Run Defenders/ Base players are more situational than pass defenders.

    2. Its a really gpod year for edge rushers. Montez Sweat and Jachai Polite are also worth taking a look at, along with Josh Allen that razor mentioned.

      As far as Bosa goes though, he’s the real deal. He’s got everything you want in an edge rusher. Only area of concern I can see is health.

      2. I also like Montez Sweat. However, the Niners should not let anyone see them Sweat. They should not be Greedy, but more Polite. ;p

      3. I have to agree with 19er, Bosa scares me. Definitely an elite player but the injury issue and leaving his teammates concerns me greatly. The 49ers can not afford another bust with the #3 pick.

  7. Faith+9er says:
    November 10, 2018 at 7:13 pm
    Two words….”Mullens Mania”.

    Lol!…Inevitable crash coming.

    Could be. If I’m the Giants, I take away anything in the middle and force him to make the sideline out throws.

    1. Yeah….Beathard with all of his timidness/indecision/turnovers, got the long ball to Goodwin down pat. Mullens needs to take a couple of shots down the field early in the game.

      I have a feeling, our defense is gonna stink though….they had a good game, so in-line with their theme of inconsistency, would give up a monster game for OBJ and Barkley. :(

      1. Sorry to disagree, but they held Gurley to 63 yards last time they played.
        .
        Sure am glad the Niner run defense has improved.
        .
        Eli cannot throw while on his back, and the Niner pass rush will take advantage of an O line in flux.

  8. I am with you Allen is probably better now in college……but Burns is more athletic and faster with a higher potential in the NFL game

    I will bet Burns gets more sacks than Allen after playing 2 yrs in the NFL

  10. Grant Cohn
    @grantcohn
    I seem to hold the 49ers to a higher standard than most 49ers fans do.

    That’s because you drink your tea with your pinky out.☕

  11. I really got a kick out of your column this time. Good writing! You can write really well when you want to.

    3. At last, some humor achieved with a bit less indiscriminate dismemberment of 9er players and coaches.

      I think the Giants will show some attitude Monday night. They may not have wanted to fly west, but they certainly don’t want to go down on a prime time broadcast.

      Hey Grant…. Members of the NY media may be checking you out up close. They love edgy, in-your-face reporting and commentary. Hot takes sell big in the Northeast. Imagine your name with a New York by-line…

      9ers 27, Giants 24.

      1. Why would Grant want to become a small fish in a large pond, when he is Top Dawg out here?
        .
        Niners, 24-23.

  12. Giants’ posse in attendance at the Oregon/Utah game. Gettleman, Abrams and west coast scout Jeremy Breit. If my count is correct, that’s 5 times the Giants have had scouts at Herbert’s game. Talk about telegraphing your intentions. What happens if the kid decides to return to Oregon? They’ve essentially made Eli a dead quarterback playing….

    1. Who knows, the Giants may go after some of the other talent on display in Salt Lake too. Was an interesting game, as was ND vs FSU.

  13. Seattle’s offensive line has given up 25 (24th)sacks so far and the Giants 31. (29th)
    How much better is Solari?

    1. Yea, I wasn’t that impressed with Solari when he was here. I think he’s a guy that’s been overrated.

      1. Yeah I’m not sure why Grant is touting Solari when the Giants OL was awful on his watch too. The Seahawks haven’t been good in pass pro either. They’ve become a pretty good run unit but in obvious passing situations they are not good.

        1. The Giants offensive line was outstanding in 2016. Injuries to Richburg and Pugh compromised the line in 2017.

          The Seahawks offensive linemen are terrible. Solari has made them a functional unit. He is one of the best.

          1. If he was one of the best he wouldn’t be a journeyman. He’d be a mainstay like Scarnecchia.

              1. If he was in such demand, a team would demand he stay. Have you noticed that where Mike Solari goes, so too does the head coach? They end up being sacked!

                2017 Ben McAdoo
                2016 Ben McAdoo
                2014 Jim Harbaugh
                2010 Mike Singletary
                2009 Jim Mora Jr.

  14. so-o …. how bad is the air quality in the South Bay ,,, anyway ?
    and .. does it still appear the NFL will actually postpone or relocate
    the game ?

    ( inquiring minds wanna know )

    1. Much better. No red dawn.
      .
      However, we are burnt up about some one criticizing the fire fighting efforts, threatening to cut funds. It was a horrific tragedy, 25 people lost their lives and thousands of homes. It never should have been politicized in such a shameful manner.

      1. thanx for the reply .. Seb .. but .. even on a good day ..
        (if memory serves) … it’ll take a good hour / hour and a half ..
        to drive from the South Bay .. to Sebastopol …
        (and thats if you plan to dodge the CHPs ) …so it makes me wonder
        if you have telescopic vision … ?

        (just kidding ya)

        1. No problemo, that is why I did not make a forecast about the game.
          .
          One thing they learned from the fire here is- they used Hwy 99 as a fire break. Here, they let the fire jump the 101 Freeway, which decimated the Coffee Park subdivision.

          1. but … isn’t Bayshore much wider than the 99 to Lodi .. ?
            not only that … this plan seems to neglect the more
            coastal-side residents … making it more difficult for them
            to evacuate … doesn’t it ?

            1. We are talking about the Central Valley. The Camp fire burned down from the hills, and the 99 was their line in the sand. Bet they did some back fires, fighting fire with fire.
              .
              In the Tubbs fire, most of the fire fighters were more focused on the evacuations. Maybe, if they had set up some hot spot crews on the west side, it would not have been so destructive.
              .
              It was a learning experience.

              1. Sebbie…

                Are you speculating, or do you have first hand experience as a wildland firefighter AND experience working in a wildfire incident command structure–setting priorities, allocating resources, and the like?

              2. No, Cassie, but I read what has been said about the fire, and ways some experts have said that could have helped reduce the losses.
                .
                I lived though that tragedy, and the whole scene was chaotic. They even had TV reporters standing near a gun shop, just before the ammunition started popping.
                .
                It is only common sense to use a highway as a fire break. One does not need to be a fire fighting professional to think a highway can be utilized as a fire break. Maybe that idea would be a foreign concept to you, but highways do not burn easily.

              3. Was just asking the question Sebbie. On occasion you profess to have expert or near expert expertise in many, many areas. I appreciate your honest reply–even with the snide closing remark.

                Wildland firefighting at all levels is a very complex and highly dynamic undertaking–from cutting line and setting back fires to understanding fluid weather conditions and allocating resources drawn from multiple jurisdictions (municipal, county, state, federal). Very ripe for second guessing.

                Response to wildland fire incidents (initial deployment strategies, priority setting, attack and defense techniques, use of ground and aerial resources, safety, etc.) has a long and interesting history. If you’re curious, take the time dig into it.

              4. Cassie, I just monitor the fire on line, and when I see the fire stopped at Hwy 99, it is just logical to assume that it was used as a fire break.
                .
                I have a good friend who used to be a sawyer fighting fires. He had some harrowing tales. I considered joining him, but I am susceptible to poison oak, so it would not be smart to charge into a situation where I might need hospitalization, due to smoke from burning poison oak.
                .
                However, I did don a painter’s face mask, and blow off several roofs of dry leaves, because some neighbors begged me to, even with lots of smoke in the air.

            2. In Socal, they tried to use the freeway as a fire break, but the winds were too strong, and it jumped over the freeway.

              1. same thing happened on I-5 … in Redding last year.. and we
                had a family reunion planned at the Shasta City KOA…
                at the time …

                I think thats gone as well .. now

  15. 1. It might not be so much about Shurmur. It might be more about the OC, Mike Shula. The main dysfunction is in the offense, which can negatively affect the defense.
    .
    2. I agree. Solder was a Free Agent for a reason, that is why the Pats let him go. If he had been good, they would have retained him. Hernandez is a raw rookie, and needed more stability along the rest of the line, to succeed. Wonder why the Giants let Richberg go, with all their O line drama.
    .
    I am not sold on Solari, although, he was light years better than Foerster and Flaherty.
    .
    3. I think you mean Chrissy Everett……..
    .
    4. Niners should not feel too confident, this will be a dog fight. I remember that 6-3 Niner win so many years ago. The Giants bumped off the Niners in 2011, in the NFCC Game, for a more recent battle
    .
    5. Ah yes, the Mullens magic. I hope BDN can rise to the occasion, stand tall, and get everyone excited. I hope BDN can inspire the defense to stiffen up, and he can get the offense humming, instead of going in spurts. ;p

    1. 49ers playing the role of english mastiff, and the Giants playing the role of a bluetick coon dog.?

          1. He is going on 16 had to take him to the Vet other day for a limp, I guess he has arthritis, gave him his first shot of something then pills and shots the rest of his living days. He still thinks he is two sometimes. Doesn’t see or hear too good but I know he would like a crack at rushing Manning.

  18. In other news, the Giants promoted Davis Webb. I mocked him several times as a later round draft pick, since he was a Cal grad, and I hoped some of the Aaron Rodgers magic may have rubbed off on him.
    .
    Wonder if we see him play.

          1. Someone here has to play the village idiot and Seb fits the role so well! Seems he was born for it!

            His “acumen” is always on display!

            2. These dumbasses that don’t stuff their long hair up inside their helmets and then bitch about being dragged down. Vanity, my second favorite sin….

  19. Very good article, well written and almost spot on.

    I have one point of disagreement. The case can be made that C.J. is not a very good qb and perhaps never will be. However, I think it is disingenuous and weak to compare him to Jim Everett who was truly shell shocked and gave up in the middle a game. Bethard has never given up and continues to play hard and hang tough. Yes, that may be all he has going for him, but it is no small thing. I think it cheapens Grant’s otherwise excellent writing and commentary when he goes for the petty, unnecessary put down.

  20. Ha ha!

    Matt Barkley starting for Buffalo today… His numbers so far…

    15/23, 232yds, 2TDs and 0 Int

    Bills are winning.

      1. This is impossible. They say that a QB cannot come in and start right away.
        .
        Of course, McClown is the opposing QB. He is the real joke.

    1. My bad, must be a senior moment. ;p
      .
      Trying to watch games while posting.
      .
      Wow, Titans defeated the Pats.

  22. Grant – do you read Lee Child? Your articles read like a Jack Reacher book. Awesome stuff.

    1. Ha ha ha ha…!!

      Was thinking more like Tom Clancy on quaaludes…before he expired.

        1. Not even close as good as JG. This off season the Niners will load up on Weapns to souround JG with. Bears did that this off season. Niners will follow suit. Trubisky has made some improvements but he struggles throwing the ball. Thankfully the Bears have a great defense.

          1. He didn’t struggle throwing the ball yesterday. In fact he was pretty good throwing it for 355 yards and 3 TD’s.

            You all said he was not a good pick but it seems he is turning into a pretty good QB. I don’t think he is better than Jimmy G but in hindsight, taking him instead of Solo Thomas would have worked out just fine for the 49ers. I would have preferred Jamal Adams above it all but it is what it is.

              1. It’s a copycat league, and I said the Bears would give Trubisky the same treatment as the Rams did with Dr. Goff by sacking Fox and getting him an offensive developer. That’s exactly what they did, and he’s reaping the benefits. Nagy is saving him just like McVay saved Dr. Goff….

          2. RAW,

            Not even close is not accurate imo, in fact it could wind up being very close or in Trubisky’s favor if the health problems continue with Garoppolo. Trubisky is very talented and is getting better under an offensive minded HC much like Goff a year ago. He has all the physical talent in the world and we are starting to see that now.

            1. I don’t believe he is very talented at all. Struggles throwing the ball. If you watched yesterday’s game he threw a bad deep ball to Allen Robison who made a great adjustment to the ball. Secondly his head coach is doing a great job at putting him in perfect situations. Tribusky has benefited from plays made by Cohen on short screens passes ended up in TDs. I’m not saying he hasn’t improved but he is no where near the QB JG is. When it comes to reading defenses or talent in general. Of course it all depends on the health of JG. If everything is equal there is not one GM who would take Trubisky over JG. Chicago has a MUCH more talented team then the Niners. There defense is always creating TOs ( short fields) to benefit the O… Something that the Niners struggle to do.

              1. I have watched him quite a bit, more so during his year at North Carolina and I don’t see any problems with his throwing. A bad deep ball during yesterdays game is not evidence of not being able to do it. You also realize that this has been one of Garoppolo’s problems right?

                In doing this comparison, you are neglecting the fact Trubisky is only in year one with his current head coach and year two overall while Garoppolo is in year 5. He hasn’t played 5 years worth of games obviously, but he’s had access to NFL Coaching for that long.

                You sound very homerish in your reasoning quite honestly. If GM’s are looking at the two, they see a younger guy getting better vs a guy who hasn’t played a lot and has suffered multiple serious injuries. I’m not saying Trubisky is better than Garoppolo, but he’s certainly not that far behind and could become just as good or better. I get the 49er fan adulation for Garoppolo, but you are not being objective here. You sound a lot like all the people who were critical of Goff before last season.

              3. It’s about the supporting casts. Goff and Trubisky have been afforted very good talent around them. JG has not been given much of anything. Yet he was able to win 6/7 games he has played. Of course he needs to stay healthy. That’s the biggest down fall with JG. Goff has one of the best o lines in football, the best RB in football, the best Wr core in football and quiet possibly next to Kyle the best offensive mind in football. He better succeed. Trubisky has two very good backs. A solid line. WRs are much better then SFs. Nagy is obviously a good mind. Has masked a lot of Trubiskys issues. Take a look at Derek Carr. People including yourself loved him. As soon as the talent around him became average to below he has looked attrious to put it kindly. My point is I judge QBs on how well they play without much around them. It’s a small sample size but JG looks very impressive with what he has had to work with. It’s not about being a homer it’s about paying attention to details that you seem to casually leave out. Important ones.

              4. it’s about paying attention to details that you seem to casually leave out. Important ones.

                I’m not leaving out any details. I’m simply pointing out that the things you are focusing on to put Garoppolo ahead of Trubisky are not objective. You criticized Trubisky’s deep ball and yet JG has struggled with that quite a bit. You are comparing a second year QB in the first year of a new system with a guy who’s been around and watching one of the greatest of all time for 4 years. The Bears don’t have a great Oline, and the supporting cast offensively is pretty good but not great. At the end of the day the QB’s have to perform with what they have and Trubisky and Goff have done that. Garoppolo was a major shot in the arm for the Niners last year but he threw a lot of picks and his TD to Int ratio wasn’t good. We need to see a full season from him to get a true idea of what he’s capable of. I think he can be really good, but don’t know for sure because he hasn’t been able to play for an extended period of time.

                As far as Carr goes, he played well for the first 3 years of his career, slumped a bit in year 4 and is now in the midst of learning a new system. We’ll be able to get a better read on how good he can be in the Gruden offense next year.

              5. Unless Gruden decides to part ways with Carr as has been speculated.
                Today Jason LaConforna reported maybe the Giants would be willing to trade for Carr.

      2. I like Trubisky because he is a mobile QB who can throw on the run. His main criticism was that he was relatively untested, with few games under his belt.
        .
        I liked another QB who is mobile and can throw on the run, but Trubisky was not a huge need, Fixing the run defense and rushing the passer was. so Thomas was the best candidate to do that, since he had such a dominant game in his bowl game. I liked Trubisky because he also garnered the Niners a bushel of draft picks.
        .
        I thought he might get the Alex treatment, instead of the Rodgers treatment, and he might be mediocre. I will fully admit he has exceeded expectations. He has done well, and his team is leading his division.
        .
        Trubisky is also lucky, because he has Fangio, who is also lucky, because he got Mack. The Bear defense is stout, because there have been no crippling injuries, and they are playing well.
        .
        Defense wins championships, but I do not see Trubisky out scoring Goff, or out playing Brees.

  25. That’s OK Seb. I had a senior moment this week too! I took Atlanta in my suicide pool! See yaaaa! 6 left, 3 took Atlanta. One took NO. 2 have Philly tonight. Could be over. Meh…..

  26. I guess Coach (unsubstantiated) Cohn’s Super Bowl pick of NO vs JAX is not going to happen. ( Thank God, what a borefest that would have been!) Then again, Coach Juan’s pick of SF vs NE is probably not going to happen either! How about NO vs NE. Hmmmm….could be.

  27. That would be a hell of a game Whine. The “New” Bowl! Two HOF QB’s, one HOF Coach and possibly another if Payton were to win and have 2 SB Championships and maybe more down the road. Now that would be a game to watch. NO vs JAX? Naw.

        1. Maybe not, but the Chargers look like they have a well balanced team, both solid in the offense and defense.

  28. Coach is correct that the Niners will prevail Monday night. I think the oddsmakers over/under (45) is more accurate than 17-12. I say SF 24 NY 23 in a slugfest!

  29. Looking ahead, and I know that the top hole to fill is an edge player (certainly the kid from Clemson wouldn’t be a bad pick up), but what other positions do you think the team needs to address in a deliberate way?

    I’m thinking (in no particular order) CB, Safety, WR, TE, Guard, OT, Kicker and Center.

    I think that the team won’t have enough picks to address adequately and will need some key FA acquisitions. I also believe that the team needs a big back who can get tough yards and help in the RZ

    1. FS is a pretty urgent need as well and should be one the areas Shanahan and Lynch will address during the off-season. After that, I would that the team needs to sign or draft a WR that is capable of being a red zone target and can complement Goodwin in the passing game; Pettis seems too soft for the role. RG is a position that the team may fill by resigning Person or letting Garnett take over, but I expect that the team will draft another RG to challenge for the starting position.
      The team could go after a backup TE, but it is possible that they utilize Juice more instead. OT will depend on whether Staley retires or returns. The CB and C positions need more quality depth than anything, and Gould will most likely be resigned as the team’s kicker.

      1. I hear you MWD. I tend to think that Staley will likely decline rapidly and needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. Think Gould could be in the same boat.

        The WR position needs a big target that can take the pressure off Goodwin and Pettis. Think it is premature to say Pettis is too soft but he is trending that way.

        Unfortunately, the team has to fill many holes and FS and CB is certainly high there. Would not be surprised that people challenge Sherman more and some the mystique he has dmfades away. Same thing happened to Revis some years ago. His decline was more evident before he was challenged.

  30. Ritchie James will make himself known Monday Night..
    and the Niners WILL …foil the rugrat’s plans …
    Niners = 27 … Rugrat = 17

    ( Mullins throws for 3 TDs .. in this one )

  33. Lol Seb, I knew you’d protest! Ok, I’ll make it SF 23 NY 21. Take NY +3 and the under (45)

    ;-)

    1. right .. Razor … but for some reason … I found myself rooting for
      the Lambs … and was glad to see that they beat the Smurf …

      Talk about mixed emotions … cuz they are my two …
      least favorite teams !

          2. Noice.
            .
            Now you know where I get my inspiration from.
            .
            I have stated many times that they should keep their answers short and sweet. Disarm the questioner with humor.
            .
            Use every critical word written by the opponents as motivational fodder.
            .
            Out think the opponent.

      2. What a lousy week for the NFL all thanks to the 49ers that couldn’t lose that game to the Raiders. The 49ers just drove the Raiders closer to Las Vegas as the Raiders will not be welcomed in their own home base anymore. Such a crying shame. NFL needs to investigate the 49ers.

  35. The 49ers will lose big as Barkley will get 150 yards running and Manning will throw 350 yards. Giants win by 21.

  36. Off topic, but having once been a Raiders fan before they abandoned me, I have to get this off my chest.

    You know who’s really to blame for the Raiders problems? The Raiders ownership, front office, coaching staff, and Players. Bust most of all, I blame their pathetic fan base, who continue to show up on Sundays and pay good money to support a team that couldn’t give two sh_ts about them.

    I saw a packed Oakland Alameda Coliseum today, and I thought to myself, “do Raiders fans simply have low self esteem, or are they just too stupid to realize that their loyalty and support means nothing to Mark Davis or Jon Gruden?”

    I am going with … all of the above!

    It’ been clear ever since Gruden chose to trade the Raiders best player, simply because it was his time to get paid the kind of money he had earned through dedication and hard work, that Chucky had set into motion a process of dismantling everything Raiders fans loved about their current team, and erased everything Reggie McKinzie and the Raiders’ organization have been building over the last five years.

    The Raiders team gruden inherited was one season removed from a 12-4 record, and one injury away from rolling into the 2016/17 postseason as Super Bowl favorites. And here we are less than 2 years later, and the only thing left from that Super Bowl favorite is a smoldering pile of silver & black feces. And to add insult to injury for Raiders fans, Mark Davis and Jon Gruden are smiling all the way to the bank.

    Whether these guys can utilize their resources and rebuild this roster is anyone’s guess. That kind of rebuild is always a crap shoot, only now it’s mostly just crap! The Raiders locker room is a caustic, hazardous waste dump site, and it’s going to take years before those cancer-causing compounds fully decompose, and become safe enough to sustain life once again.

    All I know is that, the way Al Davis, and now his son Mark, have taken local Raiders fans for Granted, always looking for greener pastures without any sense of loyalty or show of appreciation towards their fan base. These guys deserve to reap what they sow. I hope it get worse before it gets better, and watching Derek Carr cower under pressure, throwing away any chance for a comeback by spiking the ball on 4th and 4, like the scared little crybaby of a bi_ch that he is, I’m pretty sure it’s not going to get better anytime soon!

    1. 49, please understand. My uncle was a Raider fan, and we used to have some big arguments every Thanksgiving.
      .
      The Raider fans are pretty rabid, and they went to the game, because it might be the last time they get to see their team play in person.
      .
      Gruden is the bad guy in this dysfunctional dumpster fire. He over promised, and his actions spoke louder than his words. Losing Mack was bad, but how they lost him was even worse. Gruden all but admitted he was tanking, and it was not an inelegant tank, it was a conflagration of a porta potty, smell included. The Cooper trade was icing on the turd.
      .
      I do not feel delight in their misery, I just feel sorry for the downtrodden Raider fan.

      1. The Mack trade wasn’t good but they may well have made up for it with the Cooper trade. I would have thought a second would have been acceptable but a first for Cooper was a great deal for Oakland.
        Only time will tell if he, like Moss, was only playing terrible in Oakland only because he had no hope.

        1. Cooper just helped win the game against the Eagles, so he is proving his worth to the Cowboys, who are desperate.
          .
          However, I agree with you that he was not worth a first, since JG only cost a second round pick.
          .
          Gruden is making out like a bandit, but Carr sure wished he had a WR to throw to. Then he would not have had to throw that 4th down pass in the turf.

    2. 49 – I think it’s the money and greed that is destroying the whole NFL – not just the Raiders. I went to games at Frank Youell field (although the 49ers are my first and favorite team). I also remember a game at Kezar against the Los Angeles Chargers (they’ve made the round trip now) where it was published after the game that the paid attendance was not enough to pay the rent for the stadium., when there was no TV. But they kept on and fans kept on supporting them. Sad is all I can say.

    3. The Raiders are an interesting topic and it remains to be seen how it works out but in response to some of things mentioned by 49reasons:

      Forget about the 12 win season two years ago. It was an anomaly in that they won every close game they played and the defense was as poor as it has been the past few years. They were not a true 12 win team as the next season showed and were likely a 500 team at best with the roster they had when Gruden took over.

      The Mack trade was bad only because of when they made it. They either should have traded him before the draft or forced him to play the year on his option number. It could have wound up playing out like the Bell saga in Pittsburgh but they could have traded him before the deadline if it got to that. What I disagree with completely and have said so before, is that they should have given him what he wanted. Looking at that roster, why in the world would you spend 25% of your cap on two players? If they had given in to Mack’s demands, they’d still be losing only they would be doing so with no cap room and little chance to improve the overall team. When you look around the league, there are a number of highly paid defensive players that are a part of bad defenses. You don’t win with individual defensive stars. You win by putting together the defense as a unit. As good as Mack is, the Raiders were a terrible defense the entire time he played for them. The Bears were already a good defense before adding Mack and would have been better off imo using those picks and money to improve other areas of their team.

      That leads me to the next point 49 made in regards to McKenzie’s picks being jettisoned. When you look at the draft picks McKenzie has made since he took over you quickly understand why the Raiders are in the position they are in. He had one great draft when he got Mack, Carr and Jackson, but other than that he has blown numerous drafts with bad picks and little to no return on the investments. He has undeniably failed miserably in building the Raiders and none of the players other than Mack, were going to help the team improve in the long run.

      It remains to be seen what will happen moving forward, but the Raiders are in a position where they can turn things around quickly if they do things properly. They have 3 first round picks in 2019 and 2 more in 2020. They could turn any of the 1st rounders into even more picks if they want and turn the roster over completely in two years. They also have a lot of money under the cap thanks to the Mack trade and can add players in FA or trade with no restrictions. As mentioned, we don’t know if they’ll have success, but they have the assets at least to take a good run at it.

      1. Except you left out a really important fact. Gruden will be picking the players. Do you remember his GM days in Tampa? He quickly ran that team to the ground. Pretty similar to what he is doing here. The guy has no clue about personal. This is going to be a very long 5 years until Gruden quits.

        1. His record was spotty but they did draft some pretty good players during his time there. His biggest problem in TB was not having a QB. He blew it by not drafting a young franchise guy, favoring vets for the most part instead. He won a division title with Chris Simms of all people, so he can get a lot out of average talent.

          His first draft in Oakland part two looks promising though, and he can’t do much worse than McKenzie has. If he can bring in somebody he respects that will tell him the truth, the Raiders have a chance. If he brings in somebody to be an echo chamber they will likely fail.

  37. 2 things:

    1. “DeForest Buckner, Cassius Marsh, Dekoda Watson and Ronald Blair all will have monster games.”
    Interesting you didn’t include Solomon Thomas. I don’t disagree.

    2. CJ Beathard is a better QB than Nick Mullens. I know that’s not a popular opinion on this blog right now but it’s definitely true. Beathard will never be an NFL starter. IMO he doesn’t have the arm strength required to be a starter but he can become a serviceable backup in the mold of Shaun Hill. Beathard’s main problem is he lacks awareness in the pocket. He doesn’t move to open space to make his throws which has resulted in turnovers. Mullens hasn’t been challenged in the pocket. The one time he had pressure against the Raiders, Mullens panicked and threw the ball straight into the ground. Forgivable for a 1st time starter but I don’t think Mullens pocket awareness is any better than Beathards.

    The 49er QB situation reminds me of a Houston Oiler game I attended when I was a young man. I was visiting colleges in the Houston area so my aunt got us tickets to an Oiler game. Tailgate was amazing but that’s a different story. The Oilers were getting absolutely destroyed. Cody Carlson was the Oilers starting QB and he was awful. The Oilers had drafted a local hero from Tx A&M named Bucky Richardson. I believe it was in the 3rd Qtr, the Oiler offense was on the field and the fans were chanting “We want Bucky, We want Bucky, We want Bucky” at an almost deafening level. The next time the Oilers get the ball on trots Bucky Richardson and the fans go absolutely wild. Bucky proceeds to run around for his life taking sacks and throwing the ball into the ground. As the punter comes on the field, the fans start a new chant “We want a QB, We want a QB, We want a QB” that was even louder than the chants for Bucky. It was hilarious.

    So my prediction for the game tonight is that Mullens will do well against a horrible defense. As soon as he plays a defense with a decent pass rush we all will be chanting “We want a QB, We want a QB, We want a QB.”

    2. I do not beg to differ, I vehemently disagree.
      .
      1. I hope Saleh plays Thomas more, so he can get a sack. I think he does have talent, and once he gets to play more, he will shine.
      .
      2. You are kidding, right? CJB> BDN? lmfao.
      .
      Mullens threw the ball away just like he should have, instead of taking a sack like CJB would have. If you want to criticize a QB throwing the ball into the turf, diss Carr. He threw it into the turf on 4th down, when he should have thrown a jump ball down field.
      .
      No, I will not be chanting ‘We want a QB, we want a QB, we want a QB’ , unless it is CJB, Hoyer or Gabbert playing. In fact, I would be chanting ‘We want Kaep, we want Kaep, we want Kaep’ if both JG and BDN were not available. However, since Mullens is going to play, I am happy to root for him, and he gives the Niners their best chance to win. Without a doubt, he is the best QB in the building.
      .
      Mullens will face better defenses, but he will do way better than CJB, because he is smart enough to get rid of the ball before the pass rush can get to him. Mullens is accurate, throws with anticipation, and hits his receivers in stride. Better yet, the Niners should help Mullens out by just running the ball.
      .
      I also disagree with your assessment that the Giants have a horrible defense. Their secondary is good, and their run defense is 23rd, not 32nd. The Giants offensive ineptitude it what is hurting their defense, and despite that, the Giants are only losing by at most 7 points per game, in all but 2 games. Giants have a lot of talent, but are under performing. Niners have a big challenge to stop Barkley and OBJ, but I am confident that the run defense will be up to the challenge, and OBJ cannot catch the ball if Eli is on his back.

        1. Houston, do not sell CJB>BDN, and expect me to nod my head and agree.
          .
          Your assessment skills are about as good as KS’s.

  38. It’s ironic that CJ’s consensus draft scouting report claimed that he compares to Tom Savage, someone you probably know way better than I do. Maybe you could shed some light on the need for two such backups. The big problem I have with CJ is, as you say, his pocket awareness and movement in the pocket is very bad. This and the other negatives that the scouts focused on make me wonder if he can get any better with time because his negatives are not things that can easily be fixed. To my eyes he is a slower less athletic version of Kaepernick, which precludes him from improvising, (which Shanahan supposedly hates in a QB). But like Kaep, the passing game is too fast for him and it’s difficult to fix that kind of problem with limited reps like a backup gets. So, we either watch him play horribly as a starter with our fingers crossed or we move on. My vote is the latter.

    2. Well, I don’t think Beathard can magically develop a stronger arm or become more athletic but I think he can fix some issues in his pocket presence. For example, Beathard does recognize when and where to move, it’s just that he doesn’t go far enough. You could really see it in the home game against the Cards. Beathard knew to step up in the pocket but instead of taking 4 steps up he takes 2 steps which enabled the pass rusher to still reach his arm as he moved it back to throw. QBs can get better with his pocket presence with more experience. I do see the comparisons with Savage but I think Beathard reads defenses better. I saw Savage in Houston and he wasn’t the worst QB on earth but he certainly wasn’t good. People criticize Shanahan for starting Beathard over Mullens. Bill O’Brien had an entire offseason with Tom Savage and Deshaun Watson and he chose Savage over Watson. Figure that one out for me.

      At any rate, I also give some weight to Kyle Shanahan picking CJ Beathard. Shanahan knows what he wants in a QB and he hand picked Beathard. I am growing a little concerned about Shanahan’s ability to spot talent. Obviously, the Joe Williams pick was bad. I think Shanahan may give a premium to QB’s that have some football lineage. Might be subconscious with Shanahan but his experience as the son of a coach may influence his opinions on other players from football families – especially QBs.

    3. WC, we all saw how the Niner O line sucked, and became turnstiles in 2015 and 2016. ANY quarterback would have struggled behind that line.
      .
      Kaep, when given time, would be able to be proficient in the passing game. Kaep has thrown for 400 yards before, and behind this present line, he could do it again. In fact, Kaep threw for over 300 yards in a SB, so the myth that Kaep cannot pass is blown out of the water. Just give him time behind a stout line, and decent receivers, and he will take the league by storm, again. All he needs is a chance to play.
      .
      If Matt Barkley can do it, certainly Kaep can, too.

      2. “If Matt Barkley can do it, certainly Kaep can, too”

        Nope. Barkly can read defenses and play from pocket. Old wind up cannot!

          1. I do admit he took the league by storm but so did a lot of other one dimensional players. Its about sustainability and mastering ones talent. Old wind up could not.

  39. It is interesting to note that many posters on this site have dissed Kaep, saying that he could not come here and start right away, because QBs need time to learn the playbook.
    .
    Then we have Matt Barkley get off his couch, and lead the Bills to 41 points against the Jets. Sure, it is the Jets, but he had an impressive game for such short notice.
    .
    Maybe I will agree that KS is not competent enough to be able to coach Kaep right away, since he did not let JG start for 3 games. However, Buffalo just proved my point. QBs have come off the street and performed well. Even Matt Barkley can do it, and Kaep is way more talented and accomplished than Barkley, who had not started since 2016.

    1. Sebbie…. Please take your pain somewhere else…

      Say, do you believe Kaep is still under the spell of Nessa?

      1. Guess what? I now have a narrative that I can beat the detractors over the head with now.
        .
        If Matt Freakin’ Barkley can do it, Kaep certainly can, too.
        .
        Nessa is not leading the collusion and blackballing. The Orange glow is, and soon, he will be distracted by so many subpoenas, he will be too busy to watch football.

        1. C’mon Sebbie, you concluded a while back that Nessa had taken Kaep from is true love…..football. Have you changed your mind?

        2. Cassie Baalke says:
          August 22, 2017 at 10:11 am
          Sebbie… Interesting how you hold Kaep up as a principled man driven by right, then you assert he was stolen away from football (and you…) by Nessa. You made the case–you’ve begged–Nessa to let Kaep go. Free him so he can return to his love of football (and you). Oh how you crowed. Talk about inconsistent.

          You’re the poster child for chameleon narcissists.

          Reply
          sebnynah says:
          August 22, 2017 at 10:40 am
          Cassie, you are a consistent gadfly, but that is OK, because all the pushback from you and others just show how impactful my statements are. You would not waste your time if what I say does not upset you.
          .
          I am pretty consistent in my condemnation of Delilah [Nessa], and think she has given Kaep bad advice.

          1. Yup, she never should have posted the slave pictures. Probably cost him a job.
            .
            She probably bought him the pig socks and Castro shirt.
            .
            If she had given Kaep good advice, he should have registered to vote and voted this last election. Do not know if he did vote, but that would have been newsworthy to me.
            .
            Still think you are a gadfly, but do not mind, because you allow me to keep on mentioning the stench of Baalke. JL is like a breath of fresh air, compared to the stench of Baalke.

            2. Seb you blind fool, He can’t do it because if he could, somebody would’ve signed him to do it. Those are the facts Jack!
              He’s a has been! 2 years and running. When’s that storm coming Lol!!!!!!

              1. Prime, did you know that Matt Barkley had not thrown a ball since 2016, and he came off his couch to lead the Bills to a win? Guess you are now saying Matt Barkley is a better QB than Kaep. Yet Kaep is a SB QB who was one pass from returning, and set playoff rushing records. While Barkley has hardly played and never sniffed the playoffs. His next opponent, the Jags, will provide a stronger defense, and a stern test.
                .
                It sure is nice to see QB come off the street and win. Guess it depends on how competent the HC is. Still think there are teams that would rather lose without Kaep, than win with him.
                .
                That storm is coming soon, once the political climate changes. Also, with Brady falling down, BB may bring in a ringer, so Brady can rest and get ready for the playoffs. Jags may get desperate enough, along with the Broncos and Dolphins, if they want to get into the playoffs.
                .
                Thanks for bringing him up, I like speculating. Mullens will face a stronger test. Those Giant DBs have pro bowl talent.

              2. Not I guess I’m saying Barkley is better than Kaepernick, I am definitely saying Barkley is better than Kaepernick.

                I don’t care what Kaepernick has done in the past it’s what his skill set is and how it defines to the NFL game.And his skill set does not suit what is happening in the NFL today.

                He can’t read defenses, he can’t throw the ball in tight windows, and he’s a run first QB and now he’s rusty.

                Barkley showed that if you have the intelligence to read defenses and go thru progressions and play in the pocket you can have success in the NFL.

                Seb, when and if Kap comes back, then you can toot your horn. Otherwise STFU! Ok? You’ve been making promises for 2 years now about him coming back. You look stupid with your proclamations. Like I said until it happens, then you can gloat. But for now, you lose!

      1. The Niner coulda won without the stench of Baalke.
        The Niners woulda won without the stench of Baalke
        The Niners shoulda won without the stench of Baalke.

          1. No. Cassie needs to stop haunting my posts, and I will stop, but until she does that…..
            .
            Notice that I do not talk about the stench of Baalke to other posters?

      1. It’s not a good year to need a QB. Even the consensus top prospect – Herbert – is far from a top blue chip option and may not even declare this year. The Giants got a great player in Barkley but they should have taken a QB because they are in great need without great options.

      2. They say he may return to play in 2019.
        .
        Wonder if Khalil Tate will enter the draft. He would be my first choice of QBs in this next draft, if available.

  44. Mullens didn’t complete any pass longer than 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage against Oakland, according to PFF. If we know this, the Giants certainly do. If I’m Shanny, I come out and drop the bomb to Goodwin on the first play from scrimmage and have Mullens throw it with everything he’s got….

      1. Well I need Goodwin to score about 20 points for my fantasy team to win so I think Mullens should target MG the entire game. Throw him about 10 deep balls and I’ll be good.

    2. From nfl.com…

      “STRENGTHS Runs with patience and presses line of scrimmage to set up his cuts. Outstanding peripheral vision with ability to find back-side cuts. Sees to second level. Operates with controlled, choppy feet in tight quarters for maximum body control. Subtle wiggle on second and third level to create more yardage. Able to gear down and make the sharp, downhill cuts on stretch plays. Solid pass-catching option.

      WEAKNESSES Too small to be an every-down back. Runs with some hip tightness. Jump cuts and lateral escapability are below average. Doesn’t accelerate into contact and is too easily tripped by arm tackles. Missing necessary strength in lower body to break tackles and create through power. Averaged just 1.8 yards after initial contact over last two seasons. Lacks long speed to finish the breakaway run.

      SOURCES TELL US “Dime-a-dozen running back. I’m not slamming him because those guys play in the league but he needs to find the right fit. He reminds me of Ronnie Hillman, but slower.” — Regional scout for AFC team.

      BOTTOM LINE Tempo-based, one-cut running back with good vision but an inability to break tackles and run with power. Best on outside zone plays with an opportunity to find back-side cuts, but when he has to run between the tackles, he’s missing an aggressive burst. Potentially a committee running back with some third-down value if he can tighten up his pass blocking.”

  48. Niners should go jumbo, and put in Garnett as a TE. Maybe he, or McGlinchey could catch a pass, too. That certainly would be unexpected.
    .
    Mullens should key on Vernon, and roll out away from him.
    .
    Mullens should make his main goal to be- score TDs. Let everyone else do their job. Shoot for 7, for 49 points.
    .
    Mullens will do well if he plays in control, and takes what the defense gives him. He will win if he can hand off the ball a lot.
    .
    Defense should do stunts at Jamon Brown, to confuse him, and maybe overload his position. Niners should blitz like crazy to get to Eli early.
    .
    This may become a slugfest like an esteemed poster opined, but I am hoping it gets so in control, Mullens can hand the ball to CJB to let him mop up.

    1. Freakin’ brilliant! Per Sebbie “Mullens should make his main goal to be- score TDs.” Never saw that coming. Wonder what his main goal was prior to this revelation–keep his tongue in his mouth?

      Quick, someone get a message to Shanahan. It’s not too late!

      Go Sebbie!

      2. Yup, they do not read these blogs because they did not do anything I wrote.
        .
        The Niners should have gone bold. They should have enough confidence to make 3 yards. They should have a 3 yard play designated ahead of time. If they had gone for it, and made it, they could have bled down the clock and either score a TD, or kick a field goal.

    1. Long story short, my plans fell through. I didn’t make the trip unfortunately. Pretty bummed about it.

  50. Seb, for my two cents I’ll continue with facts, not conjecture. Absolutely Kaep can come in and start. Never said he couldn’t. What I have said consistently is that there is no proof whatsoever that he would return immediately to his form of over 5 years ago. What is more likely and makes much more sense is that he would return to the mediocre QB he was over the last 3 years of his career. His win/loss record was 11-24, including going 1-10 and losing 9 in a row in his last season. Yes, he had 16 TD’s and 4 Int, with a below average QB rating of 90-91%. Those are facts. Now throw in the fact that he has not played in over two years?? Come on bud!! You can’t blame everyone but him for that dismal record but yet give him all the credit when the team won. Nobody knows, not even the great Coach Cohn, how he would perform. My bet would be mediocre. That’s what the facts tell me as a gambling man. All of that doesn’t even address how signing him would affect the team and more importantly the fan base, where I would say at least 50% of the teams paying customers would be furious. He’s done and we’ll never know how it would have turned out. That horse has been beaten into submission! Enjoy the game tonight!!

    2. Juan, there were many who said he could not play, because it is impossible for a QB to go from his couch to winning a game. Barkley proved them wrong, and I could not resist.
      .
      You have to admit I am not advocating him coming here if Mullens is doing so well. I am saying that he should be playing in the league. I will not move my fandom if he goes to another team, but just wish him well. I guess I like to root for the underdog.
      .
      But right now, I hope Mullens scores 7 TDs. 49 points for the 49ers.
      .
      GO NINERS !!!!!!

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