That was the kind of game they've lost this year- Close, tight, tense, annoying, stupid breaks for the other team, giving up ridiculous long passes, missing short field goals, going nowhere on offense. But whoo doggie they came through when it counted. Kaepernick is just money when it counts this year. Really, the whole team has been. LMJ strikes at the most opportune moment, Boldin stays clutch, and HOLY CRAP YES QUINTON PATTON!!!! How effing amazing was THAT!
LMJ is the man. Between the Patriots game last year and this one, he has now won them 2 games with huge plays, taking the momentum from other teams' scores and jiu-jitsuing it right back at them. Frigeen awesome. And HOW LONG have we been waiting for a WR drafted by the 49ers to make the kind of play Patton made? Could it be that we finally have an awesome young WR to watch? He's got great timing if so.
Just a great win, I'd much rather see them play that hilarious GB defense than have to travel all the way to Philly (because Dallas is not winning tonight) and try to deal with that nonsense after a long trip. Awesome stuff, and a great way to go into the playoffs. Things are shaping up well for them.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
I love this team
When this defense is locked in, it makes the most tedious part of most NFL games (the times when your team doesn't have the ball) appointment viewing. Opposing offenses are not going anywhere. Want to try a running play? Thanks for the free down! It's now 2nd and 9. Good luck. Oh, you'd like to pass? Better get rid of it in 3 seconds, and even then you'll most likely be getting hit by one of 4 big, hulking dudes who just threw your personal protectors on the ground like they were Raggedy Andy. Good luck!
In the Era Of Harbaugh, the 49ers have made super boring football totally watchable and fun. It's really fun for me to watch this level of defensive dominance, punctuated by a special teams unit that does its job perfectly.
per·fect (pûrf
kt)
adj.Thoroughly skilled or talented in a certain field or area; proficient.Completely suited for a particular purpose or situation
Yes, that is the 49ers' special teams. An area of the game most often ignored by casual fans and pundits, yet one that is meticulously crafted on this team, and essential to its success.
I would love more plays like the Vernon Davis bomb. I wish Kaepernick would advance 2 years in the next 2 games, but that's probably not going to happen. The good news is that it doesn't have to, this team is built to withstand even TERRIBLE offensive play. If the offense is even half-decent (and it was better than that today), they will win any game they are playing.
The one issue is settling for field goals. If they are gonna beat Seattle at home, they need to turn 2 or 3 of those 4 Dawson field goals into touchdowns. The Seahawks are too good and too roided up to be able to rely on stupid mistakes. They better continue to improve if they hope to win playoff games on the road.
Seattle is a Schaub pick 6 and 3 yards in St Louis away from 10-4. The 49ers are a terrible call and 2 points away from being 12-2. Who's the juggernaut? Offensive miscues aside, the 49ers are coming together at the right time, and damn that defense is awesome. They are set up very nicely. 2 more wins and they'll probably avoid Seattle until the 3rd round.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Frank Gore
Frank Gore. Frank. Gore. FrankGore. FRANK GORE.
When all is said and done, he will be in the hall of fame and will go down as the best running back to ever play in San Francisco. I couldn't ask for a better franchise pillar at that position- he exemplifies everything that a running back should be, and does it all without being a huge douche bag. It's been a pleasure watching him, and whenever I think about him in the future, I will remember today. Good god that run was amazing.
That it came against a supposedly impenetrable defense just adds yet more amazingness to the fact that it may have single-handedly put the team into the playoffs. Who knows, maybe in February we'll be sipping champagne at a super bowl party and looking back on today as the day that cemented the team into a playoff spot. It's fitting that Frank Gore was at the center of perhaps the biggest win of the year so far. The remaining games on the schedule are very winnable, and if they do that then they will make the playoffs.
Obviously Seattle will win the division, but that win was about a lot more than that. Primarily it was required because Arizona seems to be good now, and SF needs to stay ahead of them, but not to be overlooked is the fact the 49ers are still the daddys in this rivalry. Sure, Seattle can win at home with their ridiculous stadium and referees who would rather piss themselves than make a call against their secondary, but they cannot beat San Francisco at the Stick. They couldn't beat MIKE SINGLETARY at the stick, you think they have a shot against Harbaugh? Well, this year was their best chance. Everything is going their way this year. Every goddamn thing that could possibly go right for them has gone right. And they still couldn't do it. Because FRANK GORE, that's why. THAT'S why this win was so incredibly satisfying, and why it will sustain me through a godawful winter that has already begun. The 49ers still own Seattle at home. Oh, and they won in Seattle not that long ago, too.
The defense needs to be singled out for particular acclaim, because oh my god they were incredible. Holding Seattle to a FG after that return at the end was absolutely foundational to this win. They did not give up any back-breaking long plays that Seattle has thrived on this year, and Russell pig face Wilson was not able to run free, ever. They locked down in coverage and were still able to contain him. Amazing, amazing performance.
Just a great win in every way. The offense is still not running at full tilt, and Kaepernick is misfiring on short passes at a slightly alarming rate, but they still got it done. They're coming together at the right time, and this was a big big big win. Just awesome.
When all is said and done, he will be in the hall of fame and will go down as the best running back to ever play in San Francisco. I couldn't ask for a better franchise pillar at that position- he exemplifies everything that a running back should be, and does it all without being a huge douche bag. It's been a pleasure watching him, and whenever I think about him in the future, I will remember today. Good god that run was amazing.
That it came against a supposedly impenetrable defense just adds yet more amazingness to the fact that it may have single-handedly put the team into the playoffs. Who knows, maybe in February we'll be sipping champagne at a super bowl party and looking back on today as the day that cemented the team into a playoff spot. It's fitting that Frank Gore was at the center of perhaps the biggest win of the year so far. The remaining games on the schedule are very winnable, and if they do that then they will make the playoffs.
Obviously Seattle will win the division, but that win was about a lot more than that. Primarily it was required because Arizona seems to be good now, and SF needs to stay ahead of them, but not to be overlooked is the fact the 49ers are still the daddys in this rivalry. Sure, Seattle can win at home with their ridiculous stadium and referees who would rather piss themselves than make a call against their secondary, but they cannot beat San Francisco at the Stick. They couldn't beat MIKE SINGLETARY at the stick, you think they have a shot against Harbaugh? Well, this year was their best chance. Everything is going their way this year. Every goddamn thing that could possibly go right for them has gone right. And they still couldn't do it. Because FRANK GORE, that's why. THAT'S why this win was so incredibly satisfying, and why it will sustain me through a godawful winter that has already begun. The 49ers still own Seattle at home. Oh, and they won in Seattle not that long ago, too.
The defense needs to be singled out for particular acclaim, because oh my god they were incredible. Holding Seattle to a FG after that return at the end was absolutely foundational to this win. They did not give up any back-breaking long plays that Seattle has thrived on this year, and Russell pig face Wilson was not able to run free, ever. They locked down in coverage and were still able to contain him. Amazing, amazing performance.
Just a great win in every way. The offense is still not running at full tilt, and Kaepernick is misfiring on short passes at a slightly alarming rate, but they still got it done. They're coming together at the right time, and this was a big big big win. Just awesome.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
True Colors
The Rams once again showed theirs: fake tough personified. Big talkers and cheap-shotters who come up short on the field. They want so desperately to be a part of the big bad boys in the NFC West, but they simply are not. Even Arizona is tougher than they are at this point. They have certainly performed better than I would have thought a team captained by Kellen Clemens could, but they have a long ways to go before they are on the 49ers' level.
Nice, if expected win for the squad. Obviously we shouldn't take any win for granted, especially after the last 2 weeks. It's nice to see them holding serve against the bad teams on the schedule. If they do nothing more than that, they will make the playoffs without issue. If they step it up, they still have an outside shot at the division (go Saints...ugh. Kill me now for having to root for them). A New Orleans win tomorrow and a 49ers win next week puts them 1 down with 3 to go, and Seattle would have the tiebreak. Obviously a very outside shot, but a man can dream. Nothing would please me more than that group of cheaters collapsing and receiving their just desserts.
I couldn't bring myself to write anything after the Panthers or Saints games, because I was too angry to form coherent thought. That Saints game was a complete traveshamockery. The 49ers made the play to win it, and the refs forced them to make another one, which they could not. Completely ridiculous ending to that one. As for the Panthers, they appear to be a legitimately tough team. That was a good win for them, but wow the 49ers really should have had it. That was hard to watch. Definite 07 flashbacks were happening.
With the addition of Crabtree, the offense is once again a legitimate NFL unit, and if Patton is able to contribute even a very very small amount, the offense will be vastly improved over the last quarter of the season. This is finally the group we were expecting all season, a group with sufficient weapons to force a defense to cover the entire field, which should open things up for the read option and multiple-look running attack again. Very encouraging sign today, though obviously the offense is still not clicking on all cylinders.
Big big game next week, they need to win against at least one good team this year. Seattle's cheating is starting to catch up with them in the form of multiple suspensions, so that game is very winnable. Should be a fun one.
Nice, if expected win for the squad. Obviously we shouldn't take any win for granted, especially after the last 2 weeks. It's nice to see them holding serve against the bad teams on the schedule. If they do nothing more than that, they will make the playoffs without issue. If they step it up, they still have an outside shot at the division (go Saints...ugh. Kill me now for having to root for them). A New Orleans win tomorrow and a 49ers win next week puts them 1 down with 3 to go, and Seattle would have the tiebreak. Obviously a very outside shot, but a man can dream. Nothing would please me more than that group of cheaters collapsing and receiving their just desserts.
I couldn't bring myself to write anything after the Panthers or Saints games, because I was too angry to form coherent thought. That Saints game was a complete traveshamockery. The 49ers made the play to win it, and the refs forced them to make another one, which they could not. Completely ridiculous ending to that one. As for the Panthers, they appear to be a legitimately tough team. That was a good win for them, but wow the 49ers really should have had it. That was hard to watch. Definite 07 flashbacks were happening.
With the addition of Crabtree, the offense is once again a legitimate NFL unit, and if Patton is able to contribute even a very very small amount, the offense will be vastly improved over the last quarter of the season. This is finally the group we were expecting all season, a group with sufficient weapons to force a defense to cover the entire field, which should open things up for the read option and multiple-look running attack again. Very encouraging sign today, though obviously the offense is still not clicking on all cylinders.
Big big game next week, they need to win against at least one good team this year. Seattle's cheating is starting to catch up with them in the form of multiple suspensions, so that game is very winnable. Should be a fun one.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Quick question
Aldon Smith is coming back. He's played in 3 of 8 games, but still leads the team with 4.5 sacks. I wonder if all the haters who think "he's only good because of Justin Smith" know that? If it's all Justin Smith, then why aren't Lemonier and Skuta (both of whom have been roundly praised by coaches and media) racking up sack totals in Aldon's absence? Huh.
Obviously I hope his life has straightened out. If he has a severe problem with addiction, it's not fixed after 1 month. It'll never be really "fixed", but I wonder how much good a single month away is going to do him when he's thrust back into the life of an NFL starter. I hope he makes it through OK. I also hope all the doubters and people who knock his ability will shut their mouths.
Obviously I hope his life has straightened out. If he has a severe problem with addiction, it's not fixed after 1 month. It'll never be really "fixed", but I wonder how much good a single month away is going to do him when he's thrust back into the life of an NFL starter. I hope he makes it through OK. I also hope all the doubters and people who knock his ability will shut their mouths.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
So Beautimous
That's much more like it re: the offense. In this first half they looked a lot more like the guys we saw when Kap took over last year. Not perfect by any means, but the QB running is working again (I wonder if his injury is better, or if the Titans didn't get the memo on how to stop that?), and that's opening everything else up. Kap is being extremely efficient with his passing, even with the complete lack of acceptable targets. They're running the FULLBACK out wide for god's sake. Crabtree and Manningham cannot get back soon enough. This team needs some NFL wide receivers.
May seem like a little thing, but the defense clamped down there at the end of the half. 2 timeouts + a 2 minute warning against a team that's really good at scoring late. Usually the 49ers love to give away those free points at the end of a half, I loved the way they looked. Titans couldn't even use their timeouts because they were thoroughly controlled. The Special teams are kicking tail too. This team looks like the one I was expecting to see for most of the first 6 games.
Also, the Rams are the worst kind of fake-tough. They wish they were Seattle or the 49ers. They are not. They want to be with the big boys by cheap-shotting and trash talking, but they can't back it up. And Jeff Fisher is overrated.
May seem like a little thing, but the defense clamped down there at the end of the half. 2 timeouts + a 2 minute warning against a team that's really good at scoring late. Usually the 49ers love to give away those free points at the end of a half, I loved the way they looked. Titans couldn't even use their timeouts because they were thoroughly controlled. The Special teams are kicking tail too. This team looks like the one I was expecting to see for most of the first 6 games.
Also, the Rams are the worst kind of fake-tough. They wish they were Seattle or the 49ers. They are not. They want to be with the big boys by cheap-shotting and trash talking, but they can't back it up. And Jeff Fisher is overrated.
Monday, October 14, 2013
That Offense
Look, I don't take wins for granted. None of us who were around for the truly lean times do. From 2003-2010, they won 3 games in a row only once. Hell, in those 8 seasons they only won 46 games total, or 5.7 per season. So when they win 3 games in a row by double digits, I shouldn't be complaining. But allow me to complain.
First of all, before we get too excited- who have they beaten? 3 really bad teams (2 at home), all 3 of which have had terrible quarterback play this season. This stretch of games has put them in positive territory in turnover margin, but is that a function of good defense, or really really bad play from the other guys? Both Schaub and Palmer looked like they don't even belong in the league. Truly abysmal. Again- the win is nice. A double-digit win over a division foe is great, but excuse me for thinking that this formula may not work against a team with a real NFL quarterback.
Second, I know style points don't matter, but what on earth is wrong with Colin Kaepernick? His stat line has been terrible, but the wins excuse that. What I'm worried about is the way he LOOKS. Flustered, uncomfortable, not able to run, throwing wildly off his back foot, stuttering around with no set drop or rhythm. He's completely different from what we saw last year. Is that down to the guys who are missing? I think most QBs (especially second-year guys with like 15 career starts) could be excused being uncomfortable when they lose their 2 best receivers from a year ago. If this improves when Crabtree and Manningham come back, then I'll know I'm just spouting crazy talk. I can't help but think that SOMETHING is wrong, though.
Maybe defenses have figured him out, or maybe that injury of his really is worse than they are letting on. When you look at the way he moves around, you'd definitely not be crazy to think something is keeping him from being truly comfortable. The Cardinals certainly aren't doormats when it comes to defense, so Gore not being totally effective is explainable. He did what he needs to do for them to be successful, and by the end they were sufficiently worn down. The passing attack is what worries me, though. They have to improve to beat better teams. Fortunately they don't have many "better teams" in front of them at this point. I hope I'm just worrying over nothing.
One thing I loved: this is one of the only games I remember where Vernon truly looked like an ELITE tight end. He's had big games before, but I don't remember him making the kind of catches he made in this one. The second TD was unbelievable and the play on the sideline where he reached up and behind himself to make the catch, then got both feet in bounds? Totally amazing. Very fun to watch.
I don't mean to denigrate the win, on the whole they played good and I'll take it, but since the opener the offense has been really herky-jerky and I very much hope the healthy return of players will improve that. The team that played today isn't going to beat Manning or Brees.
First of all, before we get too excited- who have they beaten? 3 really bad teams (2 at home), all 3 of which have had terrible quarterback play this season. This stretch of games has put them in positive territory in turnover margin, but is that a function of good defense, or really really bad play from the other guys? Both Schaub and Palmer looked like they don't even belong in the league. Truly abysmal. Again- the win is nice. A double-digit win over a division foe is great, but excuse me for thinking that this formula may not work against a team with a real NFL quarterback.
Second, I know style points don't matter, but what on earth is wrong with Colin Kaepernick? His stat line has been terrible, but the wins excuse that. What I'm worried about is the way he LOOKS. Flustered, uncomfortable, not able to run, throwing wildly off his back foot, stuttering around with no set drop or rhythm. He's completely different from what we saw last year. Is that down to the guys who are missing? I think most QBs (especially second-year guys with like 15 career starts) could be excused being uncomfortable when they lose their 2 best receivers from a year ago. If this improves when Crabtree and Manningham come back, then I'll know I'm just spouting crazy talk. I can't help but think that SOMETHING is wrong, though.
Maybe defenses have figured him out, or maybe that injury of his really is worse than they are letting on. When you look at the way he moves around, you'd definitely not be crazy to think something is keeping him from being truly comfortable. The Cardinals certainly aren't doormats when it comes to defense, so Gore not being totally effective is explainable. He did what he needs to do for them to be successful, and by the end they were sufficiently worn down. The passing attack is what worries me, though. They have to improve to beat better teams. Fortunately they don't have many "better teams" in front of them at this point. I hope I'm just worrying over nothing.
One thing I loved: this is one of the only games I remember where Vernon truly looked like an ELITE tight end. He's had big games before, but I don't remember him making the kind of catches he made in this one. The second TD was unbelievable and the play on the sideline where he reached up and behind himself to make the catch, then got both feet in bounds? Totally amazing. Very fun to watch.
I don't mean to denigrate the win, on the whole they played good and I'll take it, but since the opener the offense has been really herky-jerky and I very much hope the healthy return of players will improve that. The team that played today isn't going to beat Manning or Brees.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Huh
The 49ers have totally Seahawks-ed their last 2 games. Look at the stat line, then look at the final scores. They don't seem compatible. I'm not real sure how these games have ended up being blowouts, but I guess the opposing quarterbacks being completely incompetent helps? Maybe that's also attributable to the defense- I can't tell if the defense is stepping up in the face of some pretty bad injuries, or if the other teams have just been that bad. Colin Kaepernick is not rewarding my faith that he was going to be a fantasy superstar this season.
Think about who the team is playing without: Willis, A. Smith, Manningham, Crabtree. Think of how many teams would be decimated by those kinds of injuries. The 49ers have out-scored their opponents 69-14 without those guys, and it certainly ain't in the way I thought they would be doing it earlier in the season. They are definitely borrowing heavily from the 2011 playbook, and they're doing it much more effectively. The penalties are almost completely eliminated, they actually had 3 timeouts at the end of each half tonight (a small but important victory for them), and no turnovers! They went through an entire game without turning the ball over. Finally.
Keep that formula up through the very very easy stretch of schedule coming up, and I will have no issues with the offense not being the fantasy point machine I thought it was going to be. If they get to that Seahawks game one game down or even tied, they are in very very good position. They are not pretty to watch, but this is the brand of play that made the successful to begin with, so I'm totally cool if they want to go back to it. 12-4 is back in play if they keep looking like this.
Think about who the team is playing without: Willis, A. Smith, Manningham, Crabtree. Think of how many teams would be decimated by those kinds of injuries. The 49ers have out-scored their opponents 69-14 without those guys, and it certainly ain't in the way I thought they would be doing it earlier in the season. They are definitely borrowing heavily from the 2011 playbook, and they're doing it much more effectively. The penalties are almost completely eliminated, they actually had 3 timeouts at the end of each half tonight (a small but important victory for them), and no turnovers! They went through an entire game without turning the ball over. Finally.
Keep that formula up through the very very easy stretch of schedule coming up, and I will have no issues with the offense not being the fantasy point machine I thought it was going to be. If they get to that Seahawks game one game down or even tied, they are in very very good position. They are not pretty to watch, but this is the brand of play that made the successful to begin with, so I'm totally cool if they want to go back to it. 12-4 is back in play if they keep looking like this.
Today is already a win
The Seabags have lost, which was extremely satisfying and awesome because dear lord I hate them, and Tony Romo has just LOL CHOKED a game away at a key moment. Wins all the way around, if the 49ers can stop sucking and beat an overrated Texans team at home, then that would just be gravy. By all rights San Francisco should win this game, but of course there's no Willis, and we have no idea what to expect out of them this season.
That Broncos/Cowboys game was incredible. That's an example of why the 49ers need to get their offense on track- it's going to be pretty hard to grind out victories against a team like the Broncos if their passing attack is working well. You have to keep pace with them and not screw up. Dallas almost did it, but then Tony Romo. SF will not be able to match them with the way they've played recently, probably not even with the 2011 formula. They need to score 30 or 40. Hopefully Crabs and Manningham getting back will open things up. Just limp along until that point and things should be OK.
That Broncos/Cowboys game was incredible. That's an example of why the 49ers need to get their offense on track- it's going to be pretty hard to grind out victories against a team like the Broncos if their passing attack is working well. You have to keep pace with them and not screw up. Dallas almost did it, but then Tony Romo. SF will not be able to match them with the way they've played recently, probably not even with the 2011 formula. They need to score 30 or 40. Hopefully Crabs and Manningham getting back will open things up. Just limp along until that point and things should be OK.
Where exactly were these Colts 2 weeks ago?
The Seahawks are a good team, but they are not this good. How in the hell are all these breaks going their way? Good lord. They can't have the other team hand them wins all season, right?
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Same Old Rams
I'm not a huge fan of Thursday Night Football. All 4 games this year have already been terrible to watch, and thinking back on it- can you think of ANY TNF game that has been good since they started doing this like 6 years ago? They've all been terrible. Of course they are- teams have 3 days to prepare and heal after beating the hell out of themselves on Sundays. The Rams had to travel home from Dallas and prepare for the 49ers in 3 days. That's ridiculous.
But I will say this- it sure is nice to have a quick turnaround after a game like the 49ers had on Sunday. One of my favorite things about baseball is you get that immediacy- even if you lose 15-2, you get another chance the very next day to wipe that feeling away. The Colts loss really pissed me off. That was a terrible performance against a middling-at-best team, which is why I was so happy to have a nice quick break before being able to see if they'd be able to bounce back.
Nothing like a game against the Rams to bounce back. Wow, they are bad. Sam Bradford is really bad. They have no running game, sure, but wow he is bad. That first scoring drive of theirs was an easy TD that he simply missed. Any halfway decent QB would have jumped all over the 49ers in the first quarter, when SF was still playing like it was in Seattle. I'm not sure what the hell was wrong with them for those 9 quarters, they looked disjointed and lost on both sides of the ball, not qualities we are used to seeing from a Harbaugh team. The penalties are also getting completely ludicrous.
Colin Kaepernick looked positively Alex Smithian. If that's what it takes for them to be successful, so be it. It would be fun to be the kind of team that throws for 400 yards every week, but apparently they can't win that way. Maybe it's the lack of weapons, or maybe their style of offense just can't survive when it throws the ball that much- whatever it is, it doesn't work. They have to run for 200 yards a game to be successful, and fortunately they have a team set up to do just that.
All in all a very nice win, but I think the "back on track" nonsense is just that- it was a win over a marginal team who had a short week with travel. Nice to see, no reason to do cartwheels just yet. There are still a lot of issues with this team that need fixing.
Oh yeah, and I hope Aldon Smith gets better for his sake. It would be nice to see him on the field again, but good lord dude- take care of yourself.
But I will say this- it sure is nice to have a quick turnaround after a game like the 49ers had on Sunday. One of my favorite things about baseball is you get that immediacy- even if you lose 15-2, you get another chance the very next day to wipe that feeling away. The Colts loss really pissed me off. That was a terrible performance against a middling-at-best team, which is why I was so happy to have a nice quick break before being able to see if they'd be able to bounce back.
Nothing like a game against the Rams to bounce back. Wow, they are bad. Sam Bradford is really bad. They have no running game, sure, but wow he is bad. That first scoring drive of theirs was an easy TD that he simply missed. Any halfway decent QB would have jumped all over the 49ers in the first quarter, when SF was still playing like it was in Seattle. I'm not sure what the hell was wrong with them for those 9 quarters, they looked disjointed and lost on both sides of the ball, not qualities we are used to seeing from a Harbaugh team. The penalties are also getting completely ludicrous.
Colin Kaepernick looked positively Alex Smithian. If that's what it takes for them to be successful, so be it. It would be fun to be the kind of team that throws for 400 yards every week, but apparently they can't win that way. Maybe it's the lack of weapons, or maybe their style of offense just can't survive when it throws the ball that much- whatever it is, it doesn't work. They have to run for 200 yards a game to be successful, and fortunately they have a team set up to do just that.
All in all a very nice win, but I think the "back on track" nonsense is just that- it was a win over a marginal team who had a short week with travel. Nice to see, no reason to do cartwheels just yet. There are still a lot of issues with this team that need fixing.
Oh yeah, and I hope Aldon Smith gets better for his sake. It would be nice to see him on the field again, but good lord dude- take care of yourself.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
15-1 a very real possibility
No really, look at the remaining schedule. Maybe at New Orleans is tough? Maybe at Washington? Other than that it's all home games and bad teams. Obviously anything can happen (like losing to the rams somehow), but it's set up nicely. It starts this week with a home game against an obviously inferior opponent. The 49ers should win this game easily. If they don't, we should start worrying.
The Colts were one of the softest 11-5 teams you'll ever see last season. They almost lost at home to the Raiders. Andrew Luck lives up to his last name- he's obviously a very good player, but holy S does he get away with a lot of terrible decisions at times.
When you combine the talent disparity and the 49ers' terrible showing last week, and their undefeated record following losses in the Harbaugh era (7-0), this should be a win, and should be the start of a run that will make us quickly forget that S fest last week.
The Colts were one of the softest 11-5 teams you'll ever see last season. They almost lost at home to the Raiders. Andrew Luck lives up to his last name- he's obviously a very good player, but holy S does he get away with a lot of terrible decisions at times.
When you combine the talent disparity and the 49ers' terrible showing last week, and their undefeated record following losses in the Harbaugh era (7-0), this should be a win, and should be the start of a run that will make us quickly forget that S fest last week.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Well
Sums it up. I hope Seattle enjoys it, I remember when the 49ers had their super bowl in week 2. Those days sucked. 8-0 at home, 2-6 on the road. What a great team.
Friday, September 13, 2013
The Twelfth Man is the Architect
Did you know the 2013 Carolina Panthers have the best
defense in the NFL? If you skimmed any 49ers-Seahawks related comment sections
this past week, you'd certainly know. You'd have heard Seattle stepped up when
it counted, using their superior talent to barely pull out a touchdown against
the relentlessly awesome, all-time great Carolina Panthers defense.
You'd also know December 23, 2012 marked the greatest
victory in NFL history. A victory so epic, so enduring, that Seahawks fans are
physically unable to resist mentioning it. Over and over.
You'd also know CenturyLink Field is home to the greatest
and loudest fans ever. Fans so passionate, they scream during pregame warmups,
the national anthem, even halftime. They are LOUD. And mind you, it totally has
nothing to do with a clamshell shaped stadium obviously designed to amplify crowd
noise to unnatural and inhumane levels. Nothing at all to do with a design that
directs and multiplies crowd noise directly to the field.
It's all those amazing Seattle fans who love football and
fluorescents.
So we know going in the Niners will call a timeout early
in the game, and the Twelfth Assholes will go apeshit, and then there will be a
delay of game, and those fuckers will get naked and start blowing each other in
the stands, then there will be a false start, and the collective orgasm and
self-congratulations will explode your TV set and kill any unfortunate 49ers
fan in the stands.
Know this: referees do not call penalties on Seattle at
home. At least meaningful ones. There may be an 'excessive celebration' penalty
assessed on a touchdown, or a 'too many men on the field' on a field goal
attempt that won't matter, but those holds that spring Marshawn Lynch for an
early TD, those tackles before the ball gets there in the secondary, they will
be ignored.
Now that you know this, you can watch the game in a less
agitated state. Because if there is one thing the Twelfth Cocksucker succeeded
doing, it's scaring the zebras.
Monday, September 9, 2013
As Expected
Shocking:
Wait, so protecting your team's future and getting punched in the face to do so is *not* a punishable offense? NO WAY. Once again, ignorant Packers fans choose to cling to some ridiculous notion that the refs have it in for them when in actuality THEY WERE HELPED AFTER THEIR GUY CHEAP-SHOTTED SOMEBODY. None of this even matters, but it's nice that this "controversy" is put to bed so quickly and easily. GD I'm glad that was a win yesterday.
The NFL now says it was the Packers, not the 49ers, who benefitted from the officials’ mistake on the play, because Staley shouldn’t have been flagged in the first place. The league office reviewed the play and determined that while Matthews was rightly called for a late hit on 49ers quarterbackColin Kaepernick, the official who threw the flag on Staley for getting in Matthews’ face after running over to protect Kaepernick should not have done so.
Wait, so protecting your team's future and getting punched in the face to do so is *not* a punishable offense? NO WAY. Once again, ignorant Packers fans choose to cling to some ridiculous notion that the refs have it in for them when in actuality THEY WERE HELPED AFTER THEIR GUY CHEAP-SHOTTED SOMEBODY. None of this even matters, but it's nice that this "controversy" is put to bed so quickly and easily. GD I'm glad that was a win yesterday.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Oh my god
Oh my god. Oh my god.
Oh my god.
OH MY GOD
OH
MY
GOD.
Guys, I'm really worried about the passing game. I mean, it's Anquan Boldin and nobody else, MIRITE?! (LOL ME)
400 yards. 400 effing passing yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns. With no running game, and suspect defense (at times). Stupid penalties. A seeming inability to run a goddamn play within 25 seconds at least twice per drive. Still, 400 yards and 3 touchdowns.
THE 49ERS HAVE AN NFL QUARTERBACK. One who is top 5. One who will laugh in your face if you try to keep him from running, and then WILL THROW FOR 400 YARDS AND 3 TOUCHDOWNS. One who will make an Aaron Rodgers insane stat line look pedestrian.
There's plenty of other things to talk about from that game, but F all of those things. 400 passing yards and 3 Touchdowns. We get to watch a real offense with a dynamic threat running it who everyone is going to be pissing their pants over trying to defend.
Was anyone worried after Lacy's score? Really? Deep down? I was not. My only question was "after CK gets a TD on the next drive, will the defense be able to hold?". It was not in doubt. This offense is GD magic. Amazing.
400 yards and 3 passing touchdowns.
Oh my god.
OH MY GOD
OH
MY
GOD.
Guys, I'm really worried about the passing game. I mean, it's Anquan Boldin and nobody else, MIRITE?! (LOL ME)
400 yards. 400 effing passing yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns. With no running game, and suspect defense (at times). Stupid penalties. A seeming inability to run a goddamn play within 25 seconds at least twice per drive. Still, 400 yards and 3 touchdowns.
THE 49ERS HAVE AN NFL QUARTERBACK. One who is top 5. One who will laugh in your face if you try to keep him from running, and then WILL THROW FOR 400 YARDS AND 3 TOUCHDOWNS. One who will make an Aaron Rodgers insane stat line look pedestrian.
There's plenty of other things to talk about from that game, but F all of those things. 400 passing yards and 3 Touchdowns. We get to watch a real offense with a dynamic threat running it who everyone is going to be pissing their pants over trying to defend.
Was anyone worried after Lacy's score? Really? Deep down? I was not. My only question was "after CK gets a TD on the next drive, will the defense be able to hold?". It was not in doubt. This offense is GD magic. Amazing.
400 yards and 3 passing touchdowns.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
When can I start getting excited without being a moron?
Quinton Patton in the only 2 games he's played: 6 catches, 80 yards, 2 TDs. That TD tonight was ridiculous, how many 49ers WRs have made that play recently, preseason or no?
I know it's stupid and ridiculous, but I'm already completely on board with this guy. When a dude just shows up and instantly provides offense, it catches my attention. I used to spend a lot of time defending guys who never showed anything because they had potential, which was never realized. This guy shows up and IMMEDIATELY shows what he can do. I love it. I'm in the tank completely. Much much crazier things have happened than 4th rounders being instant success stories.
It's also nice to see the starting offense just march right down the field as per usual. Oh, and the defense still kicks ass, even the guys who will be cut in 2 days.
I know it's stupid and ridiculous, but I'm already completely on board with this guy. When a dude just shows up and instantly provides offense, it catches my attention. I used to spend a lot of time defending guys who never showed anything because they had potential, which was never realized. This guy shows up and IMMEDIATELY shows what he can do. I love it. I'm in the tank completely. Much much crazier things have happened than 4th rounders being instant success stories.
It's also nice to see the starting offense just march right down the field as per usual. Oh, and the defense still kicks ass, even the guys who will be cut in 2 days.
Monday, August 26, 2013
53 Man
I remember doing this on the board millions of years ago, and I'm recovering from surgery, board, and a huge nerd, so I figured it would be fun to try again:
Tolzien getting released is a little surprising, but he will be back on the practice squad. I think he was viewed as the least likely QB to be claimed by someone else. Wallace is there for depth, I have a hard time imagining he will make the team unless McCoy is traded. If that happens, maybe they will just go all athletic at QB. Daniels looks like a really interesting backup. He's shown a little too much to just let go.
At WR it's either Collie or Hall for that 6th spot, I have a feeling they will choose Collie just because of experience, but he played hardly at all last night, so I could be wrong about that. The 7th WR should be Osgood, I forgot to add him in. He will play special teams almost exclusively.
I think the rest kind of speak for themselves, I would be surprised if any of these guys don't make the team. Maybe Skuta gets replaced by someone else, and the same could happen with Dahl, but overall I think that roster looks good. Even the backups are solid almost across the board. And the guys in bold denote who could also play on special teams.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Thoughts on the meaningless game
Just now going through tonight's game. Impressions:
LOL VIKINGS
Colin Kaepernick.
Quinton Patton, in his first game, now has 4 more catches and 1 more TD than AJ Jenkins had as a rookie. Patton was a 4th rounder, Jenkins was a 1st. I never want to be an NFL personnel man. For whatever it's worth, the guy looks like a real NFL WR. It would be very interesting if he turns out to be good. We have no way of knowing, since he just now is able to actually catch passes. He gets a 1st down and a TD in his first game action, that's pretty encouraging.
Marlon Moore appears like he belongs in the NFL. My guess is him, Boldin, and Collie are the first 3 on the field on opening day. Maybe Patton will work his way in there, too.
Defense. Justin Smith says "what triceps?"
LOL VIKINGS
Again, Colin Kaepernick. Watching the comparison between him and Ponder just reminds me how limited the 49ers were with Alex Smith. Comparing Ponder to Smith is not fair, because Smith is probably much better, but the Vikings' offense is clearly limited because of Ponder's skill set. He cannot throw deep with any kind of accuracy (sound familiar?), and the short throws are an adventure at times.
The 49ers can do whatever the hell they want. No read-option? No problem, the guy can still pick you apart with throws to any part of the field. Add in the running aspect and gawd dayum, the guy is unstoppable. I'm the biggest Smith defender in the world, but seeing the full potential of this offense realized, it's obvious that Smith was holding it back pretty substantially.
It's really fun to see the 49ers' backups playing against the other team's starters so much. So much talent everywhere.
Lavelle Hawkins is a moron. Great play, but you removed your helmet? Really?
I think the worst thing about Ponder for the Vikings is that his draft pedigree and playoff berth last year virtually guarantee that the Vikings will stick with him for too long before realizing that he will never win a superbowl. I'm so glad the 49ers have a real QB now. So so glad.
I'm not sure if LMJ will be anything like the kind of player he was in college, but I absolutely love the way the guy shifts around and makes 0 or negative yard runs into positive plays. I haven't seen a lot of guys do it as well as he can.
Jon Baldwin already with more catches than the guy he was traded for, with a year less experience.
I like how the Vikings were patting themselves on the back after their starters scored a TD against 3rd stringers who will not be playing in 2 weeks. Lol Vikings.
Vance McDonald strikes me as the kind of guy I would not want to get in the way of.
This just in: this team is really really good. Can't wait for the real games.
LOL VIKINGS
Colin Kaepernick.
Quinton Patton, in his first game, now has 4 more catches and 1 more TD than AJ Jenkins had as a rookie. Patton was a 4th rounder, Jenkins was a 1st. I never want to be an NFL personnel man. For whatever it's worth, the guy looks like a real NFL WR. It would be very interesting if he turns out to be good. We have no way of knowing, since he just now is able to actually catch passes. He gets a 1st down and a TD in his first game action, that's pretty encouraging.
Marlon Moore appears like he belongs in the NFL. My guess is him, Boldin, and Collie are the first 3 on the field on opening day. Maybe Patton will work his way in there, too.
Defense. Justin Smith says "what triceps?"
LOL VIKINGS
Again, Colin Kaepernick. Watching the comparison between him and Ponder just reminds me how limited the 49ers were with Alex Smith. Comparing Ponder to Smith is not fair, because Smith is probably much better, but the Vikings' offense is clearly limited because of Ponder's skill set. He cannot throw deep with any kind of accuracy (sound familiar?), and the short throws are an adventure at times.
The 49ers can do whatever the hell they want. No read-option? No problem, the guy can still pick you apart with throws to any part of the field. Add in the running aspect and gawd dayum, the guy is unstoppable. I'm the biggest Smith defender in the world, but seeing the full potential of this offense realized, it's obvious that Smith was holding it back pretty substantially.
It's really fun to see the 49ers' backups playing against the other team's starters so much. So much talent everywhere.
Lavelle Hawkins is a moron. Great play, but you removed your helmet? Really?
I think the worst thing about Ponder for the Vikings is that his draft pedigree and playoff berth last year virtually guarantee that the Vikings will stick with him for too long before realizing that he will never win a superbowl. I'm so glad the 49ers have a real QB now. So so glad.
I'm not sure if LMJ will be anything like the kind of player he was in college, but I absolutely love the way the guy shifts around and makes 0 or negative yard runs into positive plays. I haven't seen a lot of guys do it as well as he can.
Jon Baldwin already with more catches than the guy he was traded for, with a year less experience.
I like how the Vikings were patting themselves on the back after their starters scored a TD against 3rd stringers who will not be playing in 2 weeks. Lol Vikings.
Vance McDonald strikes me as the kind of guy I would not want to get in the way of.
This just in: this team is really really good. Can't wait for the real games.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Whoa!
WHOA!
no, really, WHOAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AJ, we hardly knew ye. Holy S. I guess I shouldn't be this shocked, but here we are, I'm dumbfounded. I figured the guy just needed a little more time to figure stuff out, but BOOM goes the Baalke and he is gone. That's incredible.
This team hasn't had much success drafting in that area of the first round, first Balmer and now this guy. Both of them were traded within in a year and a half of being selected. That's not really a good sign for a first round pick. If the front office is willing to just completely ship the guy out of town, what does that say about his prospects? I say that for both Jenkins and Baldwin. I have no idea what to think about the trade, other than "GO JON BALDWIN!"
My only opinion on Baldwin is that I friggen loved that guy in Madden. I always traded for him immediately because of his size and speed. If those things are real in real life, he could be real interesting. He's definitely big and strong. He struggles to catch the ball, though, which isn't a great quality in a WR. I'll say this though- he is the anti AJ Jenkins. That's what makes this trade interesting. He's 6'4, 230 lbs. AJ Jenkins is 6', 190. If Baldwin can cure the dropsies, then the 49ers will truly have 2 WRs on the outside who can stick it to Seattle and their holding, roid-infested DBs.
Once again, WHOA. This is kind of crazy. I kind of love the deal at first blush, but we'll see. The Chiefs and 49ers must be members of the mutual admiration society with the way they swap players and picks.
no, really, WHOAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AJ, we hardly knew ye. Holy S. I guess I shouldn't be this shocked, but here we are, I'm dumbfounded. I figured the guy just needed a little more time to figure stuff out, but BOOM goes the Baalke and he is gone. That's incredible.
This team hasn't had much success drafting in that area of the first round, first Balmer and now this guy. Both of them were traded within in a year and a half of being selected. That's not really a good sign for a first round pick. If the front office is willing to just completely ship the guy out of town, what does that say about his prospects? I say that for both Jenkins and Baldwin. I have no idea what to think about the trade, other than "GO JON BALDWIN!"
My only opinion on Baldwin is that I friggen loved that guy in Madden. I always traded for him immediately because of his size and speed. If those things are real in real life, he could be real interesting. He's definitely big and strong. He struggles to catch the ball, though, which isn't a great quality in a WR. I'll say this though- he is the anti AJ Jenkins. That's what makes this trade interesting. He's 6'4, 230 lbs. AJ Jenkins is 6', 190. If Baldwin can cure the dropsies, then the 49ers will truly have 2 WRs on the outside who can stick it to Seattle and their holding, roid-infested DBs.
Once again, WHOA. This is kind of crazy. I kind of love the deal at first blush, but we'll see. The Chiefs and 49ers must be members of the mutual admiration society with the way they swap players and picks.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Every one of these articles is fabulous
but this one gave me particular joy. Drew is a Vikings fan, so he put an especially large amount of verve and gusto into this article. My favorite line:
hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. We're that team again, everyone. Yesssssssss.
Any time he [Rodgers] suddenly morphs into an inaccurate gimp in the playoffs, he makes the exact same face: He kind of stares around, as if to say THE BATTERIES IN THIS OFFENSE AREN’T WORKING! Then he stares at the ground. I’m looking forward to seeing that the next time they play the 49ers.
hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. We're that team again, everyone. Yesssssssss.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Colin Kaepernick is going to throw for 2 hundred billion yards
"Colin has come a long way. Last year, when he first got the starting job, we'd be back at practice and he'd just keep overthrowing me," said Davis said, who caught a team-high seven passes during 11-on-11 work. "I'd be running as fast as I possibly could, and Colin just kept overthrowing me.
"Now, we get out there and it's like night and day. He's putting balls right there. Man, he's come a long way. I'm very impressed with Colin right now."
That's Vernon Davis talking. Last year, when he was taking the league by storm, he was underperforming in practice. Well, maybe not "underperforming", but was not as accurate perhaps as one would like one's starting quarterback to be. I can't look at how he played last year, combine that with the positively GLOWING reports we've read about him all off-season, and come away with any impression other than that he is going to absolutely friggen explode this year.
This is hyperbole, I admit, but he is what people always wanted Mike Vick to be. Not as transcendent of an athlete, maybe, but he is so athletic that you have to fear that on every single play. The catch is that he can throw the ball on par with the Rodgerses and Breeses and Bradeys of the world. 40 yard strikes that are right on target, and, if practice reports are to be believed, he's now able to throw touch passes with incredible accuracy. I'm trying to be restrained here, because my unbridled optimism has led to many disappointments in the past. That said, I can't honestly look at the facts as they have been presented and come away with any impression other than this: Colin Kaepernick is a BAMF and is going to set the league on fire...again.
Pretty glad I have him in my keeper league... We'll be seeing a lot more of this:
AJ Jenkins....*shakes head*
From that same article:
The only receivers who did not catch passes were Lavelle Hawkins and A.J. Jenkins. Hawkins had a reception for the scout-team offense in a 7-on-7 drill. Jenkins, who appeared to take fewer reps than he did during the first two weeks of practices, did not catch a pass on the day. He caught only one pass in Sunday's practice.
Ugh.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Oh Hey, Football!
Wow, that was ugly. The starters looked great, let's just hope nobody on the offensive line goes down and that Kaepernick continues to slide and stay healthy all season because dear god Colt McCoy please no.
The WR situation is a total mess. If Collie is healthy, it'll be him, Boldin, and ? Hopefully AJ Jenkins decided to remember he's getting paid to play football and shows up at some point. Otherwise, the pickings are really really slim behind Boldin and Davis.
If I were a betting man, I'd go lay some cash on KC to beat Denver for the division. I bet you'd get pretty good odds, and I think it's going to happen. Alex looked positively Utah-ian in his one drive, led them right down the field doing what he does best and they punched it in easily. I know it's preseason, I know it's the Saints defense, yes yes yes.
I'm not crazy, though. The Chiefs had 6 Pro Bowl players last year (Only one was an injury replacement). For comparison, the 49ers had 9. The Chiefs have a lot of talent, and now they have a quarterback who matches Andy Reid's style perfectly. Everyone loves to bash Andy Reid, but the guy knows his way around an offense. Pick the Chiefs this year and win. We saw this same EXACT THING happen in SF when Harbaugh took over.
The WR situation is a total mess. If Collie is healthy, it'll be him, Boldin, and ? Hopefully AJ Jenkins decided to remember he's getting paid to play football and shows up at some point. Otherwise, the pickings are really really slim behind Boldin and Davis.
If I were a betting man, I'd go lay some cash on KC to beat Denver for the division. I bet you'd get pretty good odds, and I think it's going to happen. Alex looked positively Utah-ian in his one drive, led them right down the field doing what he does best and they punched it in easily. I know it's preseason, I know it's the Saints defense, yes yes yes.
I'm not crazy, though. The Chiefs had 6 Pro Bowl players last year (Only one was an injury replacement). For comparison, the 49ers had 9. The Chiefs have a lot of talent, and now they have a quarterback who matches Andy Reid's style perfectly. Everyone loves to bash Andy Reid, but the guy knows his way around an offense. Pick the Chiefs this year and win. We saw this same EXACT THING happen in SF when Harbaugh took over.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
This won't happen
but if the 49ers trade up and select Tavon Austin, I will run naked screaming through the snow that is still on the ground where I live.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Schedule
So the 2013 schedule is out. One thing jumped out at me: the 49ers have exactly 2 games starting at 10 AM Pacific time. 5 Prime-time games, and only 2 games scheduled on the eastern seaboard add up to 14 games starting either at night or at a normal time. That is fantastic. Looking at the strength of the opponents never means anything at this time of year, but seeing that only 2 of their games are starting early is something that actually makes a difference. Oh, and those 2 early starts are against the Jags and Bucs. Again, maybe those teams will be better this season, but I'd certainly rather that than, say, the Pats and Falcons or something.
Rooting for a good team pays off sometimes.
Rooting for a good team pays off sometimes.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Off-season check in vol 1- The One Where I Bitch About the Media (again)
Hey guys, I don't know if you've heard, but there's an ARMS RACE IN THE NFC WEST!! It's NUCLEAR!
Here's what I want to know: do these guys all get together in a room and decide on what the narrative is going to be? Do they not know that doing a simple google search for "NFC West arms race" would return hits from websites spanning the US from Seattle to LA to Florida to Minnesota to New York? Do they not care? Are they really that lazy?
If I was getting paid to write, I would really feel an obligation to give my readers their money's worth. I would feel like I needed to approach a story from an angle that few people thought of. What I wouldn't do write something that a person could read literally ANYWHERE ELSE on the internet, or see on any channel on TV, or in any newspaper. What's the point? Why write anything at all if you're going to write the exact same story that everyone else has already thought of?
I'm probably breaking my own rule here: anyone who's not *in* the media makes hay bashing the way the media operates. I may not be bringing anything new to the table with this argument, but I'm not getting PAID TO WRITE ABOUT THIS. And yet my style mimics those who are. If I were a musician, and some dummy in the middle of North Dakota could sit at his laptop and imitate me to the note, that would be slightly unsettling. That's not the case, though. As badly as I want to, I can't sound as good as Ben Gibbard, because he's more talented than I am. I don't feel like any writer writing any article on the NFC West "arms race" is doing something that I couldn't do. And I'm a moron. That's really frustrating.
Apart from the fact that they're all writing the same thing, there's also the little matter of that same thing being WRONG. Every. Single. Year. How many teams who participate in "arms races" in the off-season win Super Bowls? Or even make the playoffs? Let's quickly calculate the big off-season spenders in Free Agency the last few years:
2012: Bills. Bills record last season: 6-10 (missed playoffs)
2011: Eagles. We know how that went: 8-8 (missed playoffs)
2010: Bears, Dolphins. Records that season: 11-5 (lost in NFC Champ), 7-9 (missed playoffs)\
2009: Redskins. Record: 4-12 (missed playoffs)
1 playoff team in the last 4 years. That Bears team was the outlier. That's what facts tell us. But you know what the stories were in each of those off-seasons? There was no restraint to be found. Each of those big-spending teams were automatic division-winners, Super Bowl favorites.
At what point does big spending cease to be a story? Is there any less of a story in criticizing these moves? Why is there no reasonable voice out in the mainstream saying "yes, this team is spending a lot of money and is getting players that at first glance make their team a lot better, but there is very little track record of this strategy actually working in recent history". I would find that interesting if I didn't already know it. Maybe it would temper my expectations if I were a fan of a team that was free spending. Maybe it would make me a little more well-informed about the decisions I want my team making.
This season the NFL has finally figured it out- Super Bowls are not won by writing big checks in February. The Dolphins and Vikings are going to find that out the hard way- the vast majority of the NFL is already on board with this, but still the stories persist. The Seahawks and 49ers are extremely smart, competitive teams who are making very very good decisions this season- adding value while not sacrificing their long-term outlook.
That would be an interesting story. But what is the story? "IT'S AN ARMS RACE! WOW LOOK SHINY SHINY TOYS WOW!!!". The media collectively is the dog from "Up", unable to focus on anything but the simplest angle to any story. Not willing to burn a single calorie to approach the story from a different viewpoint. Trading for Anquan Boldin isn't a smart move that gives the 49ers what they were missing last season, it's a response to the Seahawks getting Harvin. The 49ers don't care about getting better, they care about one-upping their rival. The Seahawks only signed Winfield because the 49ers got Nnamdi. It's certainly not because they want to make their defensive backfield one of the best in the league. Let's be sure to not analyze this from a position that make sense, but rather from one that makes us look like slobbering morons who are completely incapable of grasping even the simplest of strategic outlooks.
The whole thing makes me sick. It makes following sports a chore: you have to mute ESPN or NFLN for the segments between news and highlights because they are so loud wrong all the time. There is no value to their opinions. You have to slog through mountains of crap on the internet to find the guys who don't interject the bull crap narratives into everything they write. Consider this post my Peter Finch rant. I'm tired of this crap.
All that said, Nnamdi was a great signing. Pretty excited about him.
Here's what I want to know: do these guys all get together in a room and decide on what the narrative is going to be? Do they not know that doing a simple google search for "NFC West arms race" would return hits from websites spanning the US from Seattle to LA to Florida to Minnesota to New York? Do they not care? Are they really that lazy?
If I was getting paid to write, I would really feel an obligation to give my readers their money's worth. I would feel like I needed to approach a story from an angle that few people thought of. What I wouldn't do write something that a person could read literally ANYWHERE ELSE on the internet, or see on any channel on TV, or in any newspaper. What's the point? Why write anything at all if you're going to write the exact same story that everyone else has already thought of?
I'm probably breaking my own rule here: anyone who's not *in* the media makes hay bashing the way the media operates. I may not be bringing anything new to the table with this argument, but I'm not getting PAID TO WRITE ABOUT THIS. And yet my style mimics those who are. If I were a musician, and some dummy in the middle of North Dakota could sit at his laptop and imitate me to the note, that would be slightly unsettling. That's not the case, though. As badly as I want to, I can't sound as good as Ben Gibbard, because he's more talented than I am. I don't feel like any writer writing any article on the NFC West "arms race" is doing something that I couldn't do. And I'm a moron. That's really frustrating.
Apart from the fact that they're all writing the same thing, there's also the little matter of that same thing being WRONG. Every. Single. Year. How many teams who participate in "arms races" in the off-season win Super Bowls? Or even make the playoffs? Let's quickly calculate the big off-season spenders in Free Agency the last few years:
2012: Bills. Bills record last season: 6-10 (missed playoffs)
2011: Eagles. We know how that went: 8-8 (missed playoffs)
2010: Bears, Dolphins. Records that season: 11-5 (lost in NFC Champ), 7-9 (missed playoffs)\
2009: Redskins. Record: 4-12 (missed playoffs)
1 playoff team in the last 4 years. That Bears team was the outlier. That's what facts tell us. But you know what the stories were in each of those off-seasons? There was no restraint to be found. Each of those big-spending teams were automatic division-winners, Super Bowl favorites.
At what point does big spending cease to be a story? Is there any less of a story in criticizing these moves? Why is there no reasonable voice out in the mainstream saying "yes, this team is spending a lot of money and is getting players that at first glance make their team a lot better, but there is very little track record of this strategy actually working in recent history". I would find that interesting if I didn't already know it. Maybe it would temper my expectations if I were a fan of a team that was free spending. Maybe it would make me a little more well-informed about the decisions I want my team making.
This season the NFL has finally figured it out- Super Bowls are not won by writing big checks in February. The Dolphins and Vikings are going to find that out the hard way- the vast majority of the NFL is already on board with this, but still the stories persist. The Seahawks and 49ers are extremely smart, competitive teams who are making very very good decisions this season- adding value while not sacrificing their long-term outlook.
That would be an interesting story. But what is the story? "IT'S AN ARMS RACE! WOW LOOK SHINY SHINY TOYS WOW!!!". The media collectively is the dog from "Up", unable to focus on anything but the simplest angle to any story. Not willing to burn a single calorie to approach the story from a different viewpoint. Trading for Anquan Boldin isn't a smart move that gives the 49ers what they were missing last season, it's a response to the Seahawks getting Harvin. The 49ers don't care about getting better, they care about one-upping their rival. The Seahawks only signed Winfield because the 49ers got Nnamdi. It's certainly not because they want to make their defensive backfield one of the best in the league. Let's be sure to not analyze this from a position that make sense, but rather from one that makes us look like slobbering morons who are completely incapable of grasping even the simplest of strategic outlooks.
The whole thing makes me sick. It makes following sports a chore: you have to mute ESPN or NFLN for the segments between news and highlights because they are so loud wrong all the time. There is no value to their opinions. You have to slog through mountains of crap on the internet to find the guys who don't interject the bull crap narratives into everything they write. Consider this post my Peter Finch rant. I'm tired of this crap.
All that said, Nnamdi was a great signing. Pretty excited about him.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wahooooooo!
I'm sad to see Alex go, but we all knew he wasn't coming back. I can't believe they got basically another 1st rounder for him plus another high-ish pick next season barring some kind of injury.
It's a great deal for both sides. The niners save money, give Alex a place where he'll be the unquestioned starter, and gain unbelievable flexibility in the draft this season while getting a jump start on next year.
The chiefs get the perfect Andy Reid QB, someone who is not only more experienced but also better than anyone in this draft. I'm extremely excited to see Alex play in an Andy Reid offense. I'll be watching every single chiefs game next year.
An absolutely perfect sports trade- everyone involved benefits. This draft is going to be really fun.
It's a great deal for both sides. The niners save money, give Alex a place where he'll be the unquestioned starter, and gain unbelievable flexibility in the draft this season while getting a jump start on next year.
The chiefs get the perfect Andy Reid QB, someone who is not only more experienced but also better than anyone in this draft. I'm extremely excited to see Alex play in an Andy Reid offense. I'll be watching every single chiefs game next year.
An absolutely perfect sports trade- everyone involved benefits. This draft is going to be really fun.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
They threw a fade
The most important play of their season was a pass that works maybe 15% of the time, a pass that they have not successfully completed even one time with Colin Kaepernick at QB. The Oline got blown up, yeah. But they had their best WR running a route that works 15% of the time that they have never completed. I will never get over that.
Forget the unbelievably stupid penalties that both cost them a first down on the first drive of the game and handed Baltimore the (deciding) extra 4 points after they had stopped them on 3rd down. Forget the fumble by James trying to turn a 0 yard gain into a 1 yard gain. Forget the HORRENDOUS interception, a pass that never should have been thrown and had no chance to be completed even if thrown perfectly. Forget the insane luck the Ravens had in the first half on plays like the blind-folded bomb to Boldin. Forget the inexcusable 108 kick yard return when they desperately needed a stop.
Forget all of that. Even with all of that, they had a chance to win the superbowl and THEY THREW A GODDAMN FADE PASS. I really don't know if I will ever forgive them for that, I know I will never forget it. That's the Kyle Williams play of this season. They threw a fade.
The worst thing about this game is I feel like the 49ers are better but couldn't get out of their own way. The penalties and turnovers were not forced, they were the kinds of things crappy teams do. I didn't get it. Maybe it was just the enormity of the stage or something, it was the worst possible time for them to decide to play like it was week 3 in Minnesota.
I give credit to the Ravens, they made plays when they had to, but I feel like the 49ers should have won that game. This offseason is going to really suck.
Forget the unbelievably stupid penalties that both cost them a first down on the first drive of the game and handed Baltimore the (deciding) extra 4 points after they had stopped them on 3rd down. Forget the fumble by James trying to turn a 0 yard gain into a 1 yard gain. Forget the HORRENDOUS interception, a pass that never should have been thrown and had no chance to be completed even if thrown perfectly. Forget the insane luck the Ravens had in the first half on plays like the blind-folded bomb to Boldin. Forget the inexcusable 108 kick yard return when they desperately needed a stop.
Forget all of that. Even with all of that, they had a chance to win the superbowl and THEY THREW A GODDAMN FADE PASS. I really don't know if I will ever forgive them for that, I know I will never forget it. That's the Kyle Williams play of this season. They threw a fade.
The worst thing about this game is I feel like the 49ers are better but couldn't get out of their own way. The penalties and turnovers were not forced, they were the kinds of things crappy teams do. I didn't get it. Maybe it was just the enormity of the stage or something, it was the worst possible time for them to decide to play like it was week 3 in Minnesota.
I give credit to the Ravens, they made plays when they had to, but I feel like the 49ers should have won that game. This offseason is going to really suck.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
This worked last time
so here we go: The 49ers are going to win this game, and it's not going to be close.
Before the Falcons game I was nervous about how confident I was that the 49ers were better, then the Falcons led 17-0 and I was wondering why I even bother trying to understand football. Then Colin Kaepernick. I'm even more confident about this game, and not all that nervous about that confidence.
Speaking logically, the 49ers are not just better in every measurable category, they are leaps and bounds ahead of the Ravens. The Ravens' offense is not at all sophisticated. You stop the deep ball, you stop the running game. As Nate broke down in his comment, the 49ers do both. The Ravens do not have the talent in the passing game that the Falcons have, so the 49ers will not have nearly as much trouble adjusting to them. The 49ers win the matchups across the board when they are on defense.
I can't break down the 49ers' offense any better than Nate did- the 49ers present so many challenges to the Ravens that there is no possible way the Ravens will be able to stop them. It would take the kind of fluke that nobody can predict to sink their offense.
The only thing that would give me pause is if the 49ers had Falcons-itis and spent the whole week celebrating their previous victory. They didn't. They are LASER FOCUSED on this game. They're locked in their hotel room and in bed asleep before curfew. They will not come out flat, this will not be another Vikings game or Rams game.
When you add everything up you get a result just like the last time the 49ers were here: a clearly superior team that is completely focused on their objective going up against a great story who's just happy to be there. That's maybe discounting the Ravens too much- John Harbaugh isn't Bobby Ross and Flacco isn't Stan Humphries. But on balance, I'm expecting the outcome to be similar. I will be surprised if this is a close game, and will be completely stunned if the 49ers lose. If they lose, it will be because something insanely crazy happened. They will not lose this game on merit.
Before the Falcons game I was nervous about how confident I was that the 49ers were better, then the Falcons led 17-0 and I was wondering why I even bother trying to understand football. Then Colin Kaepernick. I'm even more confident about this game, and not all that nervous about that confidence.
Speaking logically, the 49ers are not just better in every measurable category, they are leaps and bounds ahead of the Ravens. The Ravens' offense is not at all sophisticated. You stop the deep ball, you stop the running game. As Nate broke down in his comment, the 49ers do both. The Ravens do not have the talent in the passing game that the Falcons have, so the 49ers will not have nearly as much trouble adjusting to them. The 49ers win the matchups across the board when they are on defense.
I can't break down the 49ers' offense any better than Nate did- the 49ers present so many challenges to the Ravens that there is no possible way the Ravens will be able to stop them. It would take the kind of fluke that nobody can predict to sink their offense.
The only thing that would give me pause is if the 49ers had Falcons-itis and spent the whole week celebrating their previous victory. They didn't. They are LASER FOCUSED on this game. They're locked in their hotel room and in bed asleep before curfew. They will not come out flat, this will not be another Vikings game or Rams game.
When you add everything up you get a result just like the last time the 49ers were here: a clearly superior team that is completely focused on their objective going up against a great story who's just happy to be there. That's maybe discounting the Ravens too much- John Harbaugh isn't Bobby Ross and Flacco isn't Stan Humphries. But on balance, I'm expecting the outcome to be similar. I will be surprised if this is a close game, and will be completely stunned if the 49ers lose. If they lose, it will be because something insanely crazy happened. They will not lose this game on merit.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
If you want to know what "It" is...
Just finished watching the NFL Network's "Sound FX" for the Niners / Falcons championship game. At the end of the segment, after the glorious victory, Colin Kaepernick shakes Matt Ryan's hand and says, "Just keep ballin' baby, you'll be all right".
That.is.what.I'm.talking.about. Started nine games, doesn't give a shit. It's like Joe Montana giving two shits about Ed "Too Tall" Jones in the '81 Championship game.
Before that progrum, I watched the 2011 Niners/Ravens Thanksgiving game on that ol' Sound FX. First off, Terrell Suggs is straight up funny. I lol'd twice when he was talking shit. His gums give me pause, but that is a funny dude. Second, Ray Rice is like that guy at the office who is always trying to prove how damn dedicated he is: ANNOYING.
Also, it was obvious the Niners ran out of steam in the late third quarter. And also: Joe Flacco is a giant douche.
But they couldn't even scare Alex Smith after a franchise record 8 or 9 sacks: imagine what a baller like CK can do against them.
If I'm JOHN, I'm not happy. Jim looked perturbed after that Thanksgiving game. Interestingly the Ravens players were saying to the Niners, " Great game, see you in the Super Bowl"...
That.is.what.I'm.talking.about. Started nine games, doesn't give a shit. It's like Joe Montana giving two shits about Ed "Too Tall" Jones in the '81 Championship game.
Before that progrum, I watched the 2011 Niners/Ravens Thanksgiving game on that ol' Sound FX. First off, Terrell Suggs is straight up funny. I lol'd twice when he was talking shit. His gums give me pause, but that is a funny dude. Second, Ray Rice is like that guy at the office who is always trying to prove how damn dedicated he is: ANNOYING.
Also, it was obvious the Niners ran out of steam in the late third quarter. And also: Joe Flacco is a giant douche.
But they couldn't even scare Alex Smith after a franchise record 8 or 9 sacks: imagine what a baller like CK can do against them.
If I'm JOHN, I'm not happy. Jim looked perturbed after that Thanksgiving game. Interestingly the Ravens players were saying to the Niners, " Great game, see you in the Super Bowl"...
Monday, January 21, 2013
Quick Comparison
Offense with Alex Smith at helm (9 Starts):
23.6 PPG
178 PYPG
170 RYPG
Offense with Colin Kaepernick at helm (9 Starts- including Playoff games):
28.5 PPG
224 PYPG
159 RYPG
Ok, there's not much surprising there. "The offense is better with Kaepernick at QB" isn't an earth-shattering statement. But they're scoring 5 more points per game, that's kind of insane. Averaging 4 TDs per game!! Over a full season that would be 456 points, which is late 80s/early 90s territory. Most of the guys on defense aren't going anywhere. They will get a draft pick for Alex Smith that will be decent.
They already have 3 3rd round picks next season, with no GLARING holes to fill. Another WR, another pass rusher, another defensive back, sure. But nothing that leaps out at you. Oh, and they have a top 5 coach whose assistants will all be returning, thanks to postseason success keeping them from interviewing with other teams before they filled their vacancies.
Man oh man. Whether or not they win the superbowl this year, you're looking at a team set up for for success for a really really long time. Nothing is guaranteed, and you obviously want to bank the ring, but it sure looks like we won't see this team win 5 games any time in the near future.
23.6 PPG
178 PYPG
170 RYPG
Offense with Colin Kaepernick at helm (9 Starts- including Playoff games):
28.5 PPG
224 PYPG
159 RYPG
Ok, there's not much surprising there. "The offense is better with Kaepernick at QB" isn't an earth-shattering statement. But they're scoring 5 more points per game, that's kind of insane. Averaging 4 TDs per game!! Over a full season that would be 456 points, which is late 80s/early 90s territory. Most of the guys on defense aren't going anywhere. They will get a draft pick for Alex Smith that will be decent.
They already have 3 3rd round picks next season, with no GLARING holes to fill. Another WR, another pass rusher, another defensive back, sure. But nothing that leaps out at you. Oh, and they have a top 5 coach whose assistants will all be returning, thanks to postseason success keeping them from interviewing with other teams before they filled their vacancies.
Man oh man. Whether or not they win the superbowl this year, you're looking at a team set up for for success for a really really long time. Nothing is guaranteed, and you obviously want to bank the ring, but it sure looks like we won't see this team win 5 games any time in the near future.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
I, As Always, Am A Moron
Whew. Atlanta was tough in that game. I didn't think Jones or White would be much to worry about, since SF has done a decent job against downfield passes this year. Whoops. Jones is a friggen freak. In the first half their offense was playing a different game, they were basically just deciding how much time to let tick off the clock before they scored. But they couldn't run the ball, which hurt them in the long run.
The 49ers of Alex Smith would not have had a prayer at 17-0. It's amazing to watch Kaepernick- every time he has the ball, you get the feeling that points will be automatic. It takes some kind of mistake- a penalty, a drop, a missed protection, a missed FG (groan)- for them to not score points on a drive. That's amazing. He's amazing.
This team is so much fun to root for. At 17-0 I was worried, yeah. Visions of getting embarrassed in games of any importance in seasons gone by were dancing in my head. But this team is truly different, they are worthy of the praise they get. The defense didn't allow a single point in the 2nd half, and the offense (despite GIVING AWAY 10 points) came alive to startling effect. If Akers makes a chippy and Crabtree simply falls down at the one, there's a good chance this game ended up the way I thought it would. As it was, it was almost even more satisfying. Defense still IS important, so is running the ball. Atlanta's pass offense was breathtaking for most of the game, but being as one--dimensional as they were isn't sustainable. The 49ers were clearly the better team in the 2nd half, but as per usual this year, they had to make it interesting. That play by Bowman at the end was beauty.
WWL can kindly go EFF itself. Super Bowl bound baby! Read that again- SUPER BOWL BOUND! Go Ravens
The 49ers of Alex Smith would not have had a prayer at 17-0. It's amazing to watch Kaepernick- every time he has the ball, you get the feeling that points will be automatic. It takes some kind of mistake- a penalty, a drop, a missed protection, a missed FG (groan)- for them to not score points on a drive. That's amazing. He's amazing.
This team is so much fun to root for. At 17-0 I was worried, yeah. Visions of getting embarrassed in games of any importance in seasons gone by were dancing in my head. But this team is truly different, they are worthy of the praise they get. The defense didn't allow a single point in the 2nd half, and the offense (despite GIVING AWAY 10 points) came alive to startling effect. If Akers makes a chippy and Crabtree simply falls down at the one, there's a good chance this game ended up the way I thought it would. As it was, it was almost even more satisfying. Defense still IS important, so is running the ball. Atlanta's pass offense was breathtaking for most of the game, but being as one--dimensional as they were isn't sustainable. The 49ers were clearly the better team in the 2nd half, but as per usual this year, they had to make it interesting. That play by Bowman at the end was beauty.
WWL can kindly go EFF itself. Super Bowl bound baby! Read that again- SUPER BOWL BOUND! Go Ravens
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Domination
From the site that projected the Niners would go 7-9 in 2012. This is a sweet analysis of the O-line in the Packers game:
San Francisco Clinic
San Francisco Clinic
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Couple things
CK seems cool, but I'm disturbed by the human-simulacrum marketing drone being interviewed in this article. I realize this is the actual world, and I don't begrudge any athlete making a buck, but the jargon is amazing, and soul crushing:
The Business of Colin Kaepernick
Also, Mark Trestman is back. I always (*fucking awlays really?) loved Eddie D's "HE'S GONE!" It wasn't necessarily fair or even professional, but he verbalized the fury fans felt all season.
Finally, Mike Nolan, in his press conference from yesterday, seems to be taking credit for some of the 49ers success. That's hilarious.
The Business of Colin Kaepernick
Also, Mark Trestman is back. I always (*fucking awlays really?) loved Eddie D's "HE'S GONE!" It wasn't necessarily fair or even professional, but he verbalized the fury fans felt all season.
Finally, Mike Nolan, in his press conference from yesterday, seems to be taking credit for some of the 49ers success. That's hilarious.
Monday, January 14, 2013
An Uncomfortable Position
Been racking my brain all day long today to find a scenario in which the 49ers lose to the Falcons. It's tough. They are 3 1/2 point favorites, a number that will only go up as the week goes along. They're coming off an historic playoff performance against a hated foe and media darling. The team they are playing is this generation's Buffalo Bills. The Falcons are the Packers only not as good. Any way you slice it, the 49ers should handily win this game...which is nerve racking.
You never want to be *that* team. That's the team that loses to the Giants and goes 18-1, or the one who craps the bed at home against the Ravens (that game is on NFLN right now, in the 4th quarter with 2:20 to go. There are still FIFTY MINUTES left in the broadcast slot. Jeebus.). Or the one who watches Gary Anderson miss his only field goal of the year and then loses to Scott Chandler. The team than CANNOT POSSIBLY LOSE THIS GAME almost always loses this game.
The solace comes from the fact that the national media's perplexing vendetta against San Francisco teams is in full force this week. Can you IMAGINE the amount of national jism that would have been spilled if Russell Wilson had the kind of game Kaepernick had this weekend? Not sure why the 49ers are still being held at arm's length, but it's a good thing. The "experts" are still inexplicably picking Atlanta, which is a good thing. I was worried when I saw the Vegas line that things would go overboard and the 49ers would be installed nationally as *that* team, but fortunately it looks like we dodged that bullet. People are reluctant to ever make the 49ers *that* team, because hey-there's always an east coast team we can ignore them for.
That's fine with me. This team never does well when it's *that* team. They lose to the Vikings or Rams when they're *that* team. I don't think they'd ever have a showing like that in the playoffs, but the further they are under the radar, the better.
The 49ers are superior to the Falcons in every way that you can quantify- offense (close, maybe a push), defense (not close), special teams (close), and coaching (not. close.). They should not lose this game. If they lose this game, it will mean there are serious problems that need addressing. It will mean either that somebody got injured, or some aspect of the team dramatically underperformed. They are simply better. That's not a comfortable position to be in. However, thanks to the media's continually leaving this team at arm's length, at least if they lose it won't be because they were *that* team.
You never want to be *that* team. That's the team that loses to the Giants and goes 18-1, or the one who craps the bed at home against the Ravens (that game is on NFLN right now, in the 4th quarter with 2:20 to go. There are still FIFTY MINUTES left in the broadcast slot. Jeebus.). Or the one who watches Gary Anderson miss his only field goal of the year and then loses to Scott Chandler. The team than CANNOT POSSIBLY LOSE THIS GAME almost always loses this game.
The solace comes from the fact that the national media's perplexing vendetta against San Francisco teams is in full force this week. Can you IMAGINE the amount of national jism that would have been spilled if Russell Wilson had the kind of game Kaepernick had this weekend? Not sure why the 49ers are still being held at arm's length, but it's a good thing. The "experts" are still inexplicably picking Atlanta, which is a good thing. I was worried when I saw the Vegas line that things would go overboard and the 49ers would be installed nationally as *that* team, but fortunately it looks like we dodged that bullet. People are reluctant to ever make the 49ers *that* team, because hey-there's always an east coast team we can ignore them for.
That's fine with me. This team never does well when it's *that* team. They lose to the Vikings or Rams when they're *that* team. I don't think they'd ever have a showing like that in the playoffs, but the further they are under the radar, the better.
The 49ers are superior to the Falcons in every way that you can quantify- offense (close, maybe a push), defense (not close), special teams (close), and coaching (not. close.). They should not lose this game. If they lose this game, it will mean there are serious problems that need addressing. It will mean either that somebody got injured, or some aspect of the team dramatically underperformed. They are simply better. That's not a comfortable position to be in. However, thanks to the media's continually leaving this team at arm's length, at least if they lose it won't be because they were *that* team.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
1998, What Could Have Been?
Well, sheeeeeeeeeeeeeit. I was all ready to go all sportswriter on you and write about how amazing it would be for the 49ers to travel the road they traveled in 1998, but this time righting history and making up for that travesty of a loss in the Georgia Dome. But then Mike Nolan's defense happened and the Seahawks screwed that all up. The chance to avenge that stupid Sunday night loss will have to suffice.
What an epic collapse that was. If you needed the Atlanta franchise summed up in one game, that was it. So perfect that it was Mike Nolan's defense that fell victim. That's exactly what we saw for years here, and any team that was stupid enough to have him on their HC list hopefully learned a lesson from this. That is a completely unacceptable way to lose a playoff game.
OHHHHH HEY THERE MATT RYAN!!!!!!!!! HOLY SHYTEBALLS! YES!!!!!!
I was writing this as Russell Wilson was being his annoying, dickish self and leading the game-winning TD drive. Then Matt Ryan. Wow. What an incredible game.
So, how about the whole 1998 parallel thing? I'm all for that. Frank Gore needs to not break his leg this time, and we should be golden. Atlanta looked like a bunch of keystone cops today, if Seattle had even competent coaching in the 1st half, they would have won fairly easily. The 49ers have much more than competent coaching. Atlanta are the Packers only worse. That is the kind of team the 49ers were built to beat. In fact, every team remaining in the playoffs are teams the 49ers are built to beat. I feel really really good about this.
What an epic collapse that was. If you needed the Atlanta franchise summed up in one game, that was it. So perfect that it was Mike Nolan's defense that fell victim. That's exactly what we saw for years here, and any team that was stupid enough to have him on their HC list hopefully learned a lesson from this. That is a completely unacceptable way to lose a playoff game.
OHHHHH HEY THERE MATT RYAN!!!!!!!!! HOLY SHYTEBALLS! YES!!!!!!
I was writing this as Russell Wilson was being his annoying, dickish self and leading the game-winning TD drive. Then Matt Ryan. Wow. What an incredible game.
So, how about the whole 1998 parallel thing? I'm all for that. Frank Gore needs to not break his leg this time, and we should be golden. Atlanta looked like a bunch of keystone cops today, if Seattle had even competent coaching in the 1st half, they would have won fairly easily. The 49ers have much more than competent coaching. Atlanta are the Packers only worse. That is the kind of team the 49ers were built to beat. In fact, every team remaining in the playoffs are teams the 49ers are built to beat. I feel really really good about this.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Holy Krapernick
Shhhhhhh, Packers fans. Shhhhhhh. You can't say anything after that. You were spotted 7 points and you were completely dismantled in every single phase of this game. 2 times in the same year this team has crushed you- once in your place, once in ours. There's nothing you can say after that. See you next year.
Colin Kaepernick is unbelievable. As much as Aikman wants to blame the Packers' defensive scheme, I think I'll go ahead and say it was Kaepernick more than the defense. He is special. That was an absolutely incredible game to watch.
I really can't stand the fact that even after a dismantling like that, the 49ers are not going to receive proper respect. I know it doesn't mean anything, but I still don't understand why this team gets shoved by the wayside in favor of inferior teams. The 49ers even have a "star" now, and watch them get swept under the rug. It will ALL be "what happened to the Packers?!?" instead of "whoah, look at the niners".
Meh, who cares. Just imagine how far the 49ers could have gone if they'd signed Peyton. Oh wait.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
This Playoff Matchup Oozes...Something
The Packers at Candlestick, in the Divisional Playoffs,
after a bye, is not at all something I wanted to see again. This weekend’s game
brings the 1995 NFC divisional’s worst memories tumbling back: Adam Walker’s goddamn
cast, Fritz Shurmer’s indecipherable smoked glasses, Mike Holmgren’s gaseous smirk,
the refs (oh the refs), and the dick sexter with unlimited good
fortune. Moreover, the worst: the maddening knowledge that my team was “owned”,
and probably would be for some time.
I cannot see another team inspiring burning sports-hate like
the 1996-2007 Packers (though the Seahawks do try).
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