49ers 10 - Bears 6: Postgame Notes and Quotes
by David Fucillo on Nov 13, 2009 5:00 AM PST
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintAs hideous as much of this game may have seemed, there is of course a whole assortment of random notes to ponder related to the interceptions:
- The 49ers defense registered 5 interceptions against the Bears. It was the first time a 49ers team notched at least 5 interceptions since September 14, 1997, vs. New Orleans (6 interceptions).
- It marked the first time since September 7, 1986, at Tampa Bay, that five different 49ers registered an interception.
- NT Aubrayo Franklin intercepted QB Jay Cutler on the goal-line. It is Franklin's first career interception and the first interception by a 49ers defensive lineman since DT Justin Smith on September 21, 2008, vs. Detroit. Franklin is the only NT in the NFL to record an interception this season.
- CB Tarell Brown registered his first interception of the season, third of his career, and returned it 51 yards to the Chicago 14 yard-line to set up the Niners first touchdown of the game. The 51-yard return is the longest interception return by a 49er since LB Patrick Willis registered an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown at Seattle (9/14/08).
- S Dashon Goldson picked off Cutler for his second interception of the season. Goldson is now tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
- S Mark Roman notched is first interception of the season. It was his first pick since December 14, 2006, at Seattle, when he picked off Cutler in the fourth quarter. His interception and 27-yard return helped set up a 21-yard field goal by K Joe Nedney to push the lead to 10-6.
- S Michael Lewis sealed the game for the 49ers with his first interception of the season. Lewis intercepted Cutler's pass in the end zone as time expired. It was Lewis' first interception of the season and the 12th of his career.
- In the Bears two trips to the red zone, both drives ended with 49ers interceptions.
After the jump we've got an assortment of post-game quotes from the 49ers...
49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Game-Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
Opening Statement:
"I thank God. I thank my family. I thank these coaches. I thank the players, and I thank our fans. Our fans were outstanding tonight. They had the place rockin'. It really makes a difference, so I'm very excited about that. As far as the team is concerned, just very thankful that we were able to go out there and do the things that we needed to do on the defensive side of the ball. Greg Manusky and the staff really did a great job coming up with a plan that was effective enough to get turnovers. We talked about turnovers all week. Turnovers on offense we want to eliminate. Turnovers on defense we want to encourage. I think we just have to continue. It's a work in progress. I think, when I look at the offensive side of the ball, we did not come out and do all of the things I thought we could, or hoped that we could. We thought we'd be able to run a little bit better - did not. We did just enough on the offense to win the game. I think the one thing that we did do well, towards the end of the game, I think our offense put a drive together and came up short at the end of it. But put a drive together and took a lot of time off the clock, gave our defense a chance to game-plan a little better and make some adjustments on the sideline before getting back in the game. Overall, good win and glad we were able to come away with it."
On what it means to him personally to beat the Bears:
"You know, in all honesty, and I mean this, the first time that we played the Bears when I was here and we went down there and got the snot kicked out of us, that was an overwhelming feeling. But for the Bears to come in here today and for us to beat them, in all honesty, looking at our schedule and the next team that we have, they're just another team on that schedule and I'm very thankful that we could beat them."
On whether he thinks his young team has come of age:
"I think, for us, we took a step. Anytime you're in a game against a good football team... I think we hung in there, we fought, we didn't lose our poise, we did some dumb things at times with the penalties. We have to continue to work to eliminate those because great teams don't do that and that's what we're aspiring to be. We just have a lot of work to do and I just think that our young guys did step up and I was very pleased with the way they fought and finished it."
On whether it was a relief to get his first win in five weeks:
"I'd hate to use the word relief, but trying to think of another one is kind of hard right now. So, I will say, yes."
On how much the short week affected the offenses:
"You know what, I really don't know. I can't answer that question, because I could say a lot of different things and it still would not be right. So, I don't know. I just think that both offenses had their issues, but it affects the defense as well. So it goes both ways."
On whether one can coach for five interceptions:
"You know what, I just think that, when you get five interceptions in a game... I think the thing that we talked about all week is the execution on defense and on offense, but I think in order to make those plays when you're getting interceptions and getting those kinds of plays, I think guys are doing little things. Sometimes, the offense just makes a bad play, and then there are other times when the offense... you're holding the ‘two shell' long enough and the guy thinks that he has something that he does not and when the ball is snapped we get a good pass-rush and all of the sudden, he's throwing the ball to a certain player because he thought it was cover-two and it was cover-three and he throws the dice. So, little things like that I think we have to continue to get better on."
On the fortitude of the defense at the end of the game:
"I was talking to one of the coaches in the locker room, and it's just the opposite of Minnesota. It's almost the same situation, almost the same play, but the outcome was different and positive on our side. So it's nice to have something fall for you. I think the guys are working their tails off and a lot of times when you're doing that, trying to make good things happen, then good things happen."
On whether what happened in Minnesota affected what happened at the end of this game:
"No, I don't think so. I don't think anyone was thinking about Minnesota, I think everyone was just thinking about winning the game."
On whether anything that they learned against Minnesota affected the end of this game:
"Not really. I think the only thing you can learn against Minnesota is that you really have to be flawless in that situation. When it comes down and you've got 12 seconds left in the game, the only thing you learn there is that everybody has to be where they need to be and when you get there, try to make a play. But tonight, it was just a matter of guys hustling, working their tails off trying to be in the right place at the right time and it worked out."
On what he was trying to do with this defensive game plan:
"I just think that in every defensive game plan that we have, the thing that you want to do is take away what they do best. They‘ve got some really quality players in the tight end, the Olsen kid [TE Greg Olsen] that they love to throw the ball to, [WR Devin Hester] is really dangerous, the rookie they have, number 13 [WR Johnny Knox]... In crucial situations, just trying to recognize, get our guys to recognize, this is when they're going to run the screen, this is when they're going to run the hitch. The screen is a huge play for them and we finally began to make some plays on that thing. I just think in every defensive scheme that we have, it's just trying to take away what they do very well and make them beat you left-handed, so to speak."
On whether he will give the players the day off tomorrow:
"Oh yeah, they'll be working."
On QB Alex Smith's performance:
"I thought he did okay."
On whether he was happy with the running game at the end of the game:
"That was very good to see, because that's exactly what I'm talking about, we just have to do it more effectively. But our offensive line is continuing to gel and I'm excited to get back and look at the film and look at why we couldn't run some of the other times in different personnel settings. Those guys are fighting and just really beginning to gel and continuing to work together so I'm excited to see that tonight."
On his decision to go for it on fourth-and-one:
"You know what, I will say this, that was not a very good decision. That was a bad decision on my part. So I'll say that first. Now, to answer your question, I want my offensive line to know that if we have a half a yard, I expect them to get it. So when I'm on the sideline contemplating, ‘should I go for this?', and I'm looking at them and I get the body language, ‘go for it, go for it', okay let's go. But after that play, I told them, ‘I believe in you and I want to know if we have a half a yard in the red zone and for whatever reason we decide to go for it, I don't see any reason in the world that I shouldn't expect for us to make it', but we're not there yet so that was bad on my behalf."
CB Tarell Brown
Post -Game-Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On the importance of the win:
"It was definitely important. We had to get over that hump. It was important to come out strong in this game right here and like coach said, we had to take a step and that was the first step. We just have to keep it rolling and we just have to keep going."
On his interception that he had in the second quarter:
"He ran a double move, stutter comeback and I just tried to jump the route and slipped coming out of his break. I was just trying to make a play and do the best that I could for the team."
On the physical nature of the game:
"Two physical teams. We take our hats off to the Bears. They came out here and fought. We both were in a short week, by playing this Thursday and we both came out and fought hard. Nationally televised game and it was definitely a must-win for us and we got it."
On whether he thought he was going to take it back:
"I was just trying to make a play, like I said, the guys told me I should have stayed to the left side, but I was trying to bring back my running back skills."
TE Vernon Davis
Post -Game-Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On whether it was tough to put an offense in on such a short week:
"It was tough because we didn't really have time to prepare like we wanted to, so we just had to dig into our pockets and use plays that we used in the past."
On his exchange with DE Adewale Ogunleye:
"I was just trying to get my team fired up. I just told him to get ready because we are coming hard and we are coming to win."
On whether there was a sense of relief getting this win:
"We have a lot of momentum now and that's what we wanted going into the next game. We wanted to win this game, get some momentum, get our confidence level high and continue to win."
NT Aubrayo Franklin
Post-Game Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On the importance of winning the game:
"It was real big. We were on a four-game losing streak and we needed a win to get us back on track for a run to the playoffs."
On his interception:
"That was real big. I was pretty tired out there, we had been on a long drive. Luckily, God blessed me to get the pick. I tried to run with it but I didn't have any legs left to go anywhere."
On whether this win can spark the team going forward:
"Yeah, I think so. I think we got back to doing the things that we were doing to them earlier in the season on defense. We played like we did the first half of the season, creating turnovers and getting good field position for our offense. We had five turnovers and we came out with the win."
S Dashon Goldson
Post-Game Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On his interception:
"We were in a man coverage. It was a combination route and I knew what they were going to run based on the alignment and I just made a good call. The nickel and I were doubling on the slot receiver, he released inside and I picked him up. [QB Jay] Cutler made a mistake throwing the football and I picked it off."
On the five turnovers generated by the defense:
"We came out there and showed what this defense is made of. In the beginning of the year in training camp, we stressed turnovers and every day we practice turnover drills. Today was a great opportunity for us, coming out at home after four losses in a row. We know what we can do and we showed it out there."
On the final possession of the game:
"After that penalty, I was telling them that we need to tighten up on D. We needed to win this game and to do that we needed to tighten up on defense at the end."
RB Frank Gore
Post -Game-Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On the importance of the win:
"It's a great win. Both teams needed the win and we fought hard and we got a W and I'm excited about that."
On his touchdown run in the second quarter:
"Our line did a great job. I read it right and I scored."
On the physical nature of the game:
"It was physical. It was real physical. They came to play, but we kept fighting. When we needed to make plays, we made plays."
On the defense on the last drive:
"The defense did a great job. The defense did a great job all night and we won."
C Eric Heitmann
Post-Game Quotes November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On the importance of winning the game:
"I think coming into this game this was definitely a must-win game for us. Our backs were kind of against the wall. For us to get back in the hunt for the playoffs, we had to win this one. I think as an entire team - special teams, offense and defense - we really came together and put a big win up for us today. It feels great to have a total team victory and I am going to enjoy this one tonight."
On the play of the offensive line:
"I thought we did well. But that fourth-and-inches play was very upsetting for me and the rest of the line. Overall though, I think we handled their pressure pretty well and we did some good things. Again, it was a total team effort today and I am proud of the way this entire team played."
On his thoughts while watching the Bears final drive:
"I had total confidence in our defense. They had been doing a great job all game and it was exciting to see them perform in the clutch. It was an exciting drive to watch and it was even more exciting when we got that interception."
S Michael Lewis
Post-Game Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On winning the game:
"It feels great. These last couple of games we've gone into halftime with the lead, then somehow, someway, we lose the game. Those things hurt, and all week Coach Singletary was preaching, ‘Just take a step. We are a championship-caliber team, we just have to believe in one another and just go out there and execute.' And we did that today."
On playing after such a short week:
"It is very tough because Monday you're not as sore, but Tuesday is the day you feel the sorest from the game and Tuesday was a pretty tough day. Coach put together a great game plan and gave us an opportunity to get our legs back a little bit and got us prepared for the Bears."
On his interception:
"It was one of those there where our defensive back coaches, Vance Joseph and Johnnie Lynn, did a great job of telling us that [TE Greg] Olsen is their go-to guy in the red zone and they like to take the vertical route. On the play before the interception he kind of got underneath me, but luckily the quarterback overthrew the ball."
On whether this was a must-win game:
"It really was. Nobody was saying it, but we knew. These last couple of weeks the pressure has been on the defensive backs, and we took it upon ourselves to just step up and make plays. Every time we get a chance to meet together, we always talk about, ‘It's on our backs. It's on us.' No matter what happens in the front seven, it's always on the DBs to step up and make plays, and that is what we did."
S Mark Roman Player
Post -Game-Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
On his interception and what he saw from his vantage point:
"First of all, [S] Michael Lewis got a great jam on the tight end. The tight end was my guy and once I saw what he did, I got my eyes in the backfield and I couldn't believe he was about to throw the ball because I was in prime position to make the play."
On S Michael Lewis's interception at the end of the game:
"It's just a great feeling to have the kind of game that we had in the secondary and to finish with a play like that. It speaks volumes to the guys that are in the secondary. We are resilient group of guys. It's just exciting to come out and end the game that way because we always want the pressure is always on our backs. We know the pressure is always on our backs and it's good to just respond that way."
On what the secondary was doing to QB Jay Cutler to force him into those mistakes:
"You take your hat off to a guy like that because he truly believes in himself and as a football player, that's what you have to have. I wouldn't sell him short on that, but he was just trying to make plays at a time when you have to make plays. Our coaches put us in a great position to make plays and we made the plays. The calls were coming in, everybody was communicating well."
QB Alex Smith
Post-Game Quotes - November 12, 2009
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears
Final
On how great the defense performed today:
"Yeah, no question. Pretty self explanatory."
On whether or not the short week was an obstacle in preparing for today's game:
"The short week is tough for a lot of reasons, especially that. You try to have a lot of carry over in a week like this and not throw in a lot new. You really have one-practice day, that was Tuesday. The rest is kind of walk-through meetings and trying to get in as much as you can. Get in as much film study. There are so many adjustments to be made on the field for anything-protections, route adjustments so that all multiplies on a short week."
On whether or not he was intentional in passing to WR Michael Crabtree early in the game:
"I think that's just kind of the way the game went. For whatever reason, early on, I had some things up for him and you know, I think got away from it as the game went on. I don't know if it was a conscious decision, probably a better question for [Offensive Coordinator Jimmy] Raye."
On the offensive line:
"They played well. It's hard without looking at the film, but I thought they played well, especially there in the fourth quarter when we were running the ball. They had looks with against the run and still getting it done, especially [RB] Frank [Gore] back there making people miss, breaking tackles, making something out of not much."
On how the team finishes:
"I'd like to not have it that close at the finish, we did. I'm happy for the team, getting that done. Obviously, the defense played lights out. To do what they did in the fourth quarter to go four-and-out and get the holding call and do it all over again. They really played tough down there when the game was on the line. It was great to see."
On whether this was an example of the team finishing:
"There at the end there, that's for sure. Definitely, that's part of it. You're happy. That's the biggest thing. You put so much work into this, so much time and effort and you invest so much of yourself, as a team to see that payoff is nice."
On whether this was a big win going into next week:
"It's a step in the right direction. Now, I got that question earlier this week, that's the biggest game up to this point. This next week, that will the biggest game. That's how the NFL goes. It's a long season and a long haul. Every game is important. I think the important thing about tonight is getting us on the right track. Losing four in a row it kind of kills momentum. To reverse that and get us going back where we need to go is a big deal."
On his success with the hard count:
"It's something I never did early on in my career. I'm just kind of learning. It's a tool that can help you in situations. It helped tonight. On the third-and-long, we got the hard count and got the offsides. All of a sudden, you get hit and picked, and you get to do it over again and that's off the stat sheet. Anything that can help you and put you in a position to win."
On utilizing many different formations:
"I think the more you can do to give the defense trouble, run and pass, formation shifts. All of that where you have to give them to think about to prepare for."
On the 216 total offense yards:
"Absolutely, no question. We have to get better. It is a win. That's the great thing about it. We're definitely not content with that tonight. That's not where we need to be, especially down there in the red zone too. We need to finish down there. I think that was something that could have really changed the game."
On the key to running the spread:
"Run versus good looks, and when they come down you throw the ball, essentially. That sounds easy, but it's not that easy, especially in this league. It's a give and take. They're going to win some. You have to have patience and not waver from what you're trying to do."
On audible from run to pass:
"We definitely have it in our game plan and had plays out there tonight. You guys may not have seen it, but yes, we're going from run to pass, pass to run and getting things done."
On whether those audibles come out of shotgun as well:
"Yes."
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The good news about this win
Is that the 49ers get the stat in the win column, but won’t be over confident heading to Green Bay to beat play the Packers.
It was physical. It was real physical. They came to play, but we kept fighting. When we needed to make plays, we made plays
Gore forgot to add, defensively, at the end of his statement.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 6:03 AM PST reply actions
Not seen in the transcript
Was how Alex seemed to be laughing off a lot of his questions. His answers often seem to have a feeling of .." I don’t have the answer, half the time I don’t even now how I got myself here." to them.
Barry Zito: Mike Hampton with a guitar
I thought the opposite
He’s now not as tightly wound and realizes it don’t matter what he says the media. Just win the game and don’t stress the small stuff.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Can't understand all the Alex Smith hate around the media.
Or maybe I can understand why people hate him, but the game wasn’t on him.
We had a lot of runs plugged up. We had the failed quarterback sneak on fourth down. Smith was under pressure most of the night. That all points to the same problems with the offensive line that the team has had all year. After one particular series Singletary was all over Baas.
On the long interception Crabtree ran his route too far from the sideline and seemed to allow the DB the ball without a fight.
Long short, it seemed that the offense was pretty conservative (like it was when Hill was quarterbacking). Smith is throwing short passes (like when Hill was QB), he was sacked less than Hill. I think the conservative offensive playcalling actually works better for the Niners this year.
The problem I see is a poor offensive line that limits the team’s ability to move the ball. The team actually ran better out of the shotgun. That says more for the speed and vision of Gore than the blocking.
+
I liked the defensive game that Manusky called. Excellent, and obviously effective.
+
The Niners need a lot more help on the offensive line, and to compensate for it the Niners play a conservative offense. This has essentially been the strategy all year.
The Niners could also use a pure pass rusher and another couple of fast defensive backs.
by Bob In Beaverton on Nov 13, 2009 6:29 AM PST reply actions
Alex has to make more quick throws
Period. He has to find a way to succeed, offensive line or no offensive line. Beat the pass rush by making quick, DECISIVE throws. We know the O-LIne sucks…it’s not going to improve much anytime soon…so find a way to get around the problem.
Heck, I think they blocked better in pass protection than run blocking last night. Like you said, if it weren’t for the last drive, the shotgun runs…for GORE…I mean, we can’t gain 1 yard???
Singletary won't say it to the press
but the offensive line’s liabilities are what limit this team’s offensive success. That means it limits Alex Smith’s success.
I find it fascinating all the phone callers to the local shows who diagnose Smith’s psyche or blame the playcalling on him. A lot of conflicting diagnoses, a lot of hate.
by Bob In Beaverton on Nov 13, 2009 6:37 AM PST reply actions
It Needs Fixing
And Trigger needs to be held accountable. We have needed to overhaul the line for a few years now, and it just hasn’t gotten done. If we go into 2010 with this Charlie Foxtrot of a kludged together unit, someone’s head needs to roll, and I mean you, Scotty. Get it fixed. We need to acquire a real right tackle and two guards.
Everyone blames Raye or Smith
Or both for everything, including punt return flaws and O-line blocking.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Some stats from Sando:
“Quarterback Alex Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 98 yards and an 88.2 rating on passes that traveled 10 yards or less. He completed 1 of 4 passes for 20 yards, one interception and an 8.3 rating on passes traveling longer than 10 yards. I think the 49ers had concerns in protection. They also played not to lose.
“Only seven of Smith’s 23 pass attempts traveled farther than 5 yards downfield. He completed two of them for 29 yards.
“Smith completed 9 of 11 passes for 71 yards and a 93.6 rating from the shotgun.
Frank Gore averaged 8.1 yards per carry running outside and 1.5 yards per carry running between the tackles.”
The Niners, essentially, are playing without an offensive line.
by Bob In Beaverton on Nov 13, 2009 6:44 AM PST reply actions
On running outside
I saw a couple of those outside runs had VD cracking down to give Gore the edge. So at least a few of those were on VD’s blocking far more than the rest of the line.
Yes and No
The 49ers tried to throw the ball down field and Alex checked down to the RB on several occasions. It wasn’t the plan, just no one open.
Niners just an O-line away
Props to the Niners D. After I reamed them last week… It seemed when Alex was under center he would have to throw on the third step on a 3 step drop or get sacked. An improvement from getting sacked like in the past. Good too see the UTAH shovel pass again. Thought I was watching the Utes. :) If the Niners can get Alex some time in the pocket and the D stays solid, I think they can make a playoff run. Playoffs? Go Niners!
Quick passes are a must
crying about the O-Line won’t help us. It’s not going to get better any time soon. Dropping back and hoping for the best isn’t a strategy. Where are the slants, the screen? Beat the pass rush with quick passes for crying out loud!
HOWIE, look at this quote:
Adewale Ogunleye
On whether Davis’ words served as motivation: “I don’t want to answer that question. I go out there every day regardless of who is on the other side of the ball and play my best game. … I don’t care what another guy says. I can care less.”
(Emphasis added)
From Maiocco
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
its official
the 9ers are garbage. our defense is good though. they keep saving us. this win was pathetic. i officially have no faith in this team’s abilities and chances this season. i get depressed every time i see our sorry azz offense on the field.
"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai
I really Believe...
that this team would be about 7-2 if we had a NFL-average Offensive Line. Very good defense, Gore, VD, Crab are all playoff caliber. But the O-line is horrible. Its making the difference between playoffs and not ready for Prime Time right now. Yes, our QBs aren’t stellar – but give them some time and a consistent running game and either one would likely be adequate.
We can only go as far as the O-line will get us this year. Not much we can do about it right now. But there needs to be some serious reckoning in the off-season.
I disagree with his comment on the 4th down play.
I loved the move, I hated the play call. Alex Smith is not the person I want carrying the ball when we need 1/2 yard.
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
loved the move, loved the play call
hated the O line.
Sharlon Schoop - de favoriete Nederlandse honkbalspeler van McCovey Chronicles.
You always have to be one step ahead of your drunk friends
--Daisy Owl
but Alex is only packing 6
or so his wife says anyway.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
lol
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Nov 13, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions
Losing streak over
Guys, bottom line is this: They played like a mediocre team that was trying to end a 4-game losing streak. For those of you who have played organized ball, that is very hard to do when you’ve barely lost your last three games. You’re trying so hard to concentrate on winning that you end up trying too hard! Look at how Smith played at Houston. The pressure wasn’t quite that much on him at that time to produce because they had just come off one loss in which he did not play, he had not played in over a season, and he was not yet named the starting QB. And he was awesome. The best game since he took over as the starter. They’ve got the monkey off their backs with the losing streak, now what they need to do is find ways to play more to Smith’s strengths. Did anyone notice it was night and day when they played a spread set vs. any other set?
I'll watch the recording
Everyone tries to make this claim but it didn’t hold true in the Colts game nor the Titan game. The 49ers got sacks in the Colts and interceptions in the Titans game. The strategy appears to work for a drive than the defense adjusts.
Enjoy the positive notes, Fooch
Nine games into the season and our FS has 2INT after none since 2006. Franklin is deserving of the Pro Bowl. Brown does provide legit speed in the secondary. Our run defense is a legit top 5 if not top 3 in the league. And Michael Lewis has been a solid vet addition; if Goldson had his experience we wouldn’t be talking about upgrade.
I also enjoy how Chicago always struggles to score a TD when playing at the Stick.
Anyone know if that 7 INT game in ’97 was when Billy Joe Hobert and/or Health Shuler were playing QB in New Orleans?
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Celebrating on side line
When a team has lost four in a row and is struggling to win the current game, I think it looks bad to celebrate so much, like Gore and Davis did on the side line after the TD. The team is going to have to find a way to win each time. Davis’ notion of domination is goofy: what planet does he live on?
I like Tarrell Brown
"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis
a few notes while re-watching the game
that was a heck of a catch…or almost catch by crabtree on the first play. Then he dropped the slant right in the bread basket in the red zone, which led to third down, which led to a sack, and a missed FG.
The sack, Snyder got out muscled big time. He was thrown away like a crumpled up piece of paper.
The false start penalty right after the off-sides…who jumped? i watched it in slow motion and must have missed it. I thought it was called on VD?
it was VD
and on that sack play, did you see how Rachal essentially gave up on his man, which lead to sack?
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
yes
not to mention I saw Morgan and VD give some half-hearted blocking attempts too. Morgan engages, doesn’t drive with his legs at all, then just kinda turns around like “is the play over?”
VD gave up on a few too.
it’s like the more involved he is in the passing game the less he blocks. He has a great first smash, but tends to give up early.
A lot of our pass plays
are designed for Davis to hit a guy then go out in the flats. It’s a stupid design because it takes too long to develop, plus it leaves a guy coming that may or may not get picked up by whoever is in the backfield.
When a play takes 3 seconds to develop and is only designed to get 5 yards it’s a badly designed play. A 3 second pass play should be one that’s getting aired out downfield for 20 or 30 yards.
On Gore's TD run
VD blocked two defenders by himself. He had his hands on one guy and managed to get in the way of a second man coming in. Baas had a great block and it sprung Gore for 14 yards.
That play is the best running play we’ve got. I highlighted it in last week’s play-by-play and I’ll highlight it again. It’s well designed and it works every time.
feel free to use any of my semi-insightful info
i’m too lazy to make a full fledged post or write another article on bleacher report.
well, I say lazy…I’ve got H1N1
the blitz looks we showed on the first defensive series were great. i especially liked the guys standing up on 3rd down, making the offense guess who was coming.
When Cutler had time, he completed passes. Also, our tackling on the outside (OLB, DB’s) really needs work.
The INT by Franklin…there was nobody there for the Bears. Olsen was double covered and behind both of the guys providing coverage, and Clark was blanketed in the back of the end zone behind Olsen. I just rewtched it again and I see Olsen was breaking left from the man coverage when Cutler threw it. He didn’t see the safety, who was all of about 2 yards away to the left. Either way Franklin was there in the middle of it all. Bad decision all the way on Cutler
The standing up thing
completely stumped Peyton Manning. He had no idea who was coming so couldn’t audible in a better play. It’s a good strategy.
That was Cutler's worst INT
SInce if Franklin had not dropped back, Spikes would’ve picked it instead and had more of a running start to return it. Gotta throw that away and take the FG. Those little things that winning QBs do and stat QBs often don’t.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The sack on the 5 yard line after the Franklin INT…12 personnel. morgan motions right. snyder pushes his man outside, baas get’s blown right up the gut into smith. heitman did a good job of keeping his man near the line of scrimmage. Simms took his guy back and outside but eventually he twists back inside and by then Smith was in trouble.
Smith had 3 seconds before the guys were really next to him. At about 3.5 seconds he pump fakes. That ball has to come out, at the feet of the checkdown if necessary. Millen said the same thing, “that one was on Smith”
Yeah that sack was all on Smith
He had to get rid of the ball there. it was actually pretty good pass protection.
the designed screen next play…morgan gained 11 that was cool. I know it was designed too…but Gore slipped out of the backfield and was all alone on the left side of the field because everyone had sniffed out the screen
next play, dumpoff to gore, smith should have stepped up a little instead of trotting around (and he DID trip on his own feet in doing so).
I like the shovel pass. If it’s safe and guys know it’s coming. That’s a nice wrinkle.
the 3rd and 1 after that…baas pulled right but did NOT push his man one inch. the trend so far is guys getting out-physical’d (is that still with an “F”?)
from what I saw, our line seems to do better when they all move the same direction (on running plays that is). When, as an entire unit, they bulldoze the d-line one way or the other.
the INT, crabtree didn’t make a very good adjustment on the ball. it wasn’t a great throw, but crabs has to get better at challenging those jump balls.
am i the only one thinking
clements to Free and Lewis and Goldson rotating in at Strong? We need range back there and I like the corners starting now with Clements out. We’re paying too much to Clements to have him not do something valuable and we could use deep help. He’s not the fastest guy either so….
i like goldson a ton
he’s very physical, hits hard, i’d like to give him more of a chance in run support and blowing guys up than making him run all around trying to cover guys.
this got me thinking though…if we went after Eric Berry or Taylor Mays (although Berry is starting to look better to me) will they play SS or FS? I tend to think we need FS help. I haven’t followed Berry that close…can he cover well enough to play Free?
Goldson had a LOL miss tackle
on Forte last night though. He needs to work on tackling instead of trying to blow guys up. As Forte proved, you don’t blow up the good running backs in the league that see you coming.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
willis doesn't miss tackles
he lets guys go so he can hit them even harder farther down the field (on the same play)
A hearty thank you to Rich Aurilia for all the good memories, and to the Niners for finally getting the uni's (mostly) right.
by wjackalope on Nov 13, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Goldson actually has very good speed and range
His problem seems to be his speed getting him too far out of position. I hope that gets corrected with playing time and into next season. He should take over for Lewis when we get a ball hawking FS.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
my question goes back to the draft then
can Berry/Mays cover as a Free? Or should we be targeting a FS? I’m also starting to look at our small, agile OLB’s and wonder if we need to get something in the way of pass rusher, at least for passing downs. Then again Brooks seems to have real natural pass rushing instincts.
So who are the FS prospects? Oh draft gurus!?!?!
I'm no draft guru
And am not able to project who will transition well to the pro game vs who won’t. I do like a guy like Berry because he’s always making a play. Some guys spend their whole career just making plays on the ball and being in the middle of good things. That seems to be Berry, at least in college.
We certainly need an outside rusher. Manny is fine on first and run downs because his speed is so useful penetrating on run plays and containing the outside. I’d be fine with him moving into a coverage role for Takeo on passing downs and bring in a pass rush guy. We have to have a legit 10+ sack player who puts those stats up even while being double teamed. That would open up man blocking for Smith and McDonald.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
awesome
that’s what I was thinking. so we know (God I hope so) the Niners will take an OT in the first…what about the second 1st rd’er? Will they take an OG too or go Defense? If Dashon can get better, or my Clements to FS suggestion, maybe we DO get a pass rusher…
sometimes i want a fast-forward button for the NFL…
why can't we defend the screen?
looked like the one around 1:00 left in the first half we were playing man and everyone cleared out. Jeez, then we go to the soft zone. We really put a lot of pressure on our defense after keeping them on the field a long time when we play that soft deep zone.
This team needs to mix in a little risk here and there instead of playing not to lose al the time.
saw a comment by Daniel Brown
today about Lawson. Starting to gain some traction in my head. Our OLB’s are a little smallish and more Indy-ish OLB’s. Starting to wonder if their size limits their pass rushing ability more than we want to admit
Spencer was playing the ball
he reaches out for the ball. their bodies didn’t even look like they touched otherwise. Hands reached up to catch the ball shouldn’t be flagged for PI.
boy, baas isn’t having a great game here in my book. bsically lets his man go 14:52 3rd Q on a Gore run. Then gets to second level and can’t do anything against that guy either. Norris failed to push his guy either direction leaving Gore a very narrow lane to run right into the arms of Baas’ man.
Baas sprung the block that gave Gore his TD run
Our best running play comes when Baas pulls to the right.
millen says in punt game, "don't let the ball hit the ground"
I thought Brandon Jones was allergic to punted balls the way he let so many hit the ground…
yes.
we need to identify someone on this damn team who wants to be the PR and has some confidence, experience…we just need to find the right guy and there aint any FA’s out there!
Wow, and I was just being facetious! You’re almost giving me some hope that the Niners could actually get him!
Yeah.....
Getting Desean Jackson out of Philly is about as likely as us trading Frank Gore.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Nov 13, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
there's no way
you don’t get a guy like that without something big in return…and we got nothin to give ’cept the first round picks we need.
my point being even if there was a decent PR out there, the trade deadline is passed so it matters not. there are obviously no free agents worth a darn i’m guessing…
What's the word I'm looking for. . .
No
But why not try Michael Robinson at PR. The man seems to have very little fear.
he's the only backup RB right now.
Heck, we’re thin even when Coffee is healthy.
Speaking of Coffee, we need to get the kid in the ball game more. Give him 5 touches a game. That’s not too many, c’mon. People game plan for Gore, we need something change of pace.
Ok last comment on this
I’ll say it. . .I was gonna say where’s Allen Rossum, but the Cowboys picked him up.
dumb choice
real dumb choice. don’t we still have ziegler on the 53 right now? does he even play ST’s? Have to think we had guys to cut beyond the returner.
i think zeegs
ended up on the PS again, and if not, is gone entirely, not sure though.
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Roster check
Yeah he’s on there. Heck dump Jones and give him a try. Something has to be done about the pathetic punt returning. Unless there was no way he could have gotten to it, to let a punt that could have at least been downed on their own 40 get all the way back to the 19 is almost grounds for being cut.
gore's vision
wasn’t very good on some of the inside run calls. first play after Goldson INT, huge room to run right side, gore goes right up the gut into the pile.
I've noticed this in the past with Gore too
It seems once he commits he’s a full speed ahead kind of guy. Makes him really tough to tackle but it also means he misses open lanes occaisonally.
next play
nice pocket, VD get’s free but Umpire is right in line of sight…if I was SMith I would have drilled it. Still can’t see down field view, wondering if anyone else was open other than hitting gore in the flat where 4 defenders were waiting
next play 10:05 3rd q
great pocket. only a little double-teamed rush on right side, smith should be able to see that since it’s his right side. He had the whole field to his left to slide. Then his arm get’s tipped, wonder who he was throwing to?!?
Gotta take advantage of our good pockets from which to throw when we actually get them!
what's the rule on down by contact
as it pertains to when you’re touched versus when you go down? The 3rd down run by Gore on the draw, 9:48 in the 3rd q. He get’s tripped up then stumbled and slid after that…the spot was where he first hit the ground
smith had no business on that sneak
alex smith is not even close to the top of the list when i think of guys I’d run a QB sneak with. play action bootleg would have probably worked though. Or JUST GIVE IT TO GORE!
Montana was smaller
And did well on the sneak. If your O-line gets beat it doesn’t matter. The QB has no chance to drive his legs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Agree on the bootleg
It worked in Seattle a few years ago :)
is it illegal to lock arms as offensive line?
we could just bulldoze down the field. wait, that’s probably some sort of wedge…bet they’d poo poo that.
Does anyone think there is a real good reason for the roster we're carrying?
Do you think they know exactly what they’re doing what with no true returners and a bunch of WR’s who never see the field on offense? Or do you think they are just stuck where they are and trying to act like they know what they’re doing?
Crabtree needs to be featured more
throw it to him until they stop you. period. he runs good routes, has good hands…use him! 4 catches?!? I now we aren’t exactly a “throw it around” team but c’mon. He’s the second or third best weapon we have on offense. 4 touches is not enough.
what's the spread offense for?
118 yards passing in an offense that was in the spread for longer than I’ve ever seen this year is pretty pathetic unfortunately.
What we ran
wasn’t in way a spread. A 2 TE, 2 WR formation (which is what we run the vast majority of our plays out of) doesn’t spread the defense out, especially when one of the TE (Walker) doesn’t ever get a pass thrown his way.
Gotcha
Yeah I see what you’re saying. It would be more of a spread if they were lining up at least three WR’s instead of two TE’s. Shoot with Delaney not being used much I would say use the three more often. J Hill has sort of re-emerged.
I agree
I can’t understand why Walker isn’t factored in as a pass option in any of our plays. (I don’t think he’s had even one pass thrown his way this season).
Battle, facemask
fail
he’s like the justin fargas of this team. he does’t do a whole lot..“but we like him”
That was the play
Were supposedly Hester signaled fair catch and the refs told Sing they missed it.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
He did actually make the signal?
Watching on TV, when they cut to him I saw his arm was doing something, but I couldn’t be sure it was a fair catch signal, and then when no one (announcer or ref) mentioned it I figured I was wrong.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
The first Chester Arthur fanboy ever.
I don't know for sure either
But Sing was upset about it and I saw him interviewed after the game, saying he asked the ref how none of them could see that but the all saw the facemask. The ref said they missed it if it happened. With their being no sun I can’t imagine Hester was shading his eyes so maybe he was trying a little trickery in hopes of breaking one.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
wilhelm had a very good
“where the hell did this guy come from?” game
by Andrew Davidson on Nov 13, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions
olsen was a zone beater
3:41 3RD, willis must have had the middle and didn’t drop enough. olsen got behind him but in front of safety.
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