49ers-Cardinals: The Importance Of Starting Strong
by James Brady on Nov 30, 2010 7:00 AM PST
in San Francisco 49ers News
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After the second touchdown of the night to put the 49ers up 14-3, the Cardinals looked like a defeated football team. I mean, they weren't looking great from the onset, but looking at the face of Larry FItzgerald, seeing the body language of Beanie Wells and the almost tired laughing from Derek Anderson made me realize that they knew what was going on. They were a beaten team, at least that's what I saw from where I was sitting.
It's open to interpretation as to whether or not they really were beaten, and I'm certainly no expert on reading body language, but I'll stick to guns on this front. The 49ers got things started with 14 points in the first quarter, Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook doing things on the opening drive like they should. Shane Andrus then missed a field goal, but they proved they could move downfield and proceeded to do it again twice in the quarter.
Their fast start took the Cardinals out of their gameplan, and they had to stop running the ball completely. They had 11 rushing attempts yesterday and probably would have had more if they were allowed to play their game. They did only have 13 rushing yards, so it might not have made much of a difference, but the important thing is that the 49ers kept the ball in Derek Anderson's less-than-capable hands, and didn't have to worry much about stopping the run. They focused all their efforts to stop Anderson, and it paid off.
They need to continue doing that going forward. Against the Green Bay Packers, knowing what they're going to be doing on the offensive side of the ball will be key. They're a very talented team who can beat you a number of ways offensively, taking away some of those options will be one of the best things the Niners can do to help their cause, and scoring early will do that.
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Dang , this really suck's about Gore , but nice game from the O Line ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
I doubt the Packers will lay down like the Cards
Establishing the run game and playing solid defense will be more important than jumping to an early lead. Getting that early lead will be a huge help, but there’s more important things we need to win this game. Mixing up the running game will help and using both Westy and Dixon in different ways can keep the Packers D off balance. Using Westy as the starter but occassionally throwing in Dixon on some first downs or throwing out of obvious run formations will help a ton.
Some of that playcalling
We saw against the Rams and Broncos would be great. I’m afraid that as Troy gets more comfortable with the O and vice-versa, they’ll try to snuff out some of that ingenuity he showed when running around and just finding the open man.
In essence, when he didn’t know Vernon from Delanie, he was free to just make the play the opposing D was giving him. I’d like to see another 4 – 5 receivers involved against GB and I think it’s high time for some screen passes to BW.
49er 'til I die! (if they don't kill me first)
It's obvious that in trying to expand the playbook a bit....
they’re forcing Troy to be a pocket passer more. That’s not his strength and now that teams know that, they try to keep him there. It could get ugly real quick if MJ doesn’t find a way to move the pocket or get Troy outside to make some throws on the run. It would also help if our receivers could get some separation or catch the ball when it’s near them.
by 9thevolution on Nov 30, 2010 8:35 AM PST up reply actions
It looked intentional - like they were giving him experience
Can’t think of a single play in the second half that called for Troy to move out of the pocket. Seemed like with the lead they were trying to give him experience working in there, and a lot less film on plays that move him out.
I bet we see him rolling out on about half his pass plays against green bay. Though I’ve got to admit that’s probably just wishful thinking.
I agree....
that they likely wanted him to take some more pocket passes, and they certainly should have used that huge lead to give him some reps. I just feel like trying to make him more of a pocket passer right now is detrimental to the team. They could work on that after the season if they choose to re-sign him.
When you’re trying to salvage a nearly lost season, you gotta just roll with what you have. I don’t care if you design 5 new plays per game that give him an opportunity to get outside the pocket and make something happen, just use the strengths that you have and make something positive.
by 9thevolution on Nov 30, 2010 8:49 AM PST up reply actions
Don't think they have the time to design and perfect that many plays
Last night was just the conservative style this team seems to like. Keep the few plays they have developed off the film, stick with what isn’t losing the game, even if it isn’t working.
You don't think they can draw up 5 new plays a week?
If they’re not capable of doing that they don’t deserve to coach at any level. The routes are all there, it’s just a matter of finding the combinations that work properly.
by 9thevolution on Nov 30, 2010 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Another game like last night and we'll might beat Green Bay - Chicago Style
Chicago was horrible, didn’t even get 300 yards from scrimage. But a couple of key turn-overs, a special teams touchdown, one good drive, and a defense that held Green bay to 17 points and Chicago walked away with the win.
One of the most frustrating things about our team
We played better teams than the Packers tough, and very nearly pulled out the W- the Saints and the Falcons. So I fully expect we’ll play the pack tough, especially after this win.
It’s the only reason I really want that playoff spot- who would we play that would be better than either of those two teams?
Of course, we had the Tank and Alex in for both of those games… But we know we have what it takes, especially on D. Troy is an upgrade at the QB position while BW and Dixon are worse than FG, but may combine to at least be a net positive when you factor in the element of surprise with a two-back system.
49er 'til I die! (if they don't kill me first)
Crabtree says to Westbrook...
“Man I haven’t seen you make a move like this since Tecmo Bowl”
LOL
Gore AND Westbrook AT THE SAME TIME
That would be just tight for Gore and Westbrook to be in the backfield at the same time. They can both block, and then we can throw it deep. We will need our weapons on high gear at the Packers. O-Line, lets keep it up and getting better and blowing people off the line. Our guys can do it, let’s keep Sims in there. Kindle
Just curious....
have you been paying attention to this season????
Gore is out for the season, so we can scratch all hope of seeing both him and Westbrook at the same time. Also, having two backs in takes away one of those deep threats you think will be there.
As for the OL, Staley isn’t going to be back this season unless we somehow make it the NFC championship, and then he shouldn’t be playing anyway.
by 9thevolution on Nov 30, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
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