49ers vs. Eagles: Road Warriors!
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 6:11 PM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers Game Recap, Review 2011
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PrintApologies for my absence most of the day. I was away from my computer all day but fortunately I was able to listen to the radio broadcast of the game via NFL Mobile on my cell phone. It was a bit in and out but thankfully it all worked out in the end as the 49ers pulled off arguably the biggest win for the franchise since the 2003 playoff victory over the Giants (2002 season/2003 playoffs, I always mix that up). I'm actually going to go back and re-watch the game thanks to the power of my DVR.
It was far from a pretty victory as the team had to battle back from a tough deficit, but at the end of the day, a win is a win is a win. And when you can do it on the road it is all the better. The team has plenty to work on in the coming week before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town, but for now they are building a cushion as they work to improve in all facets of the game.
I won't even pretend this team is the best team in the NFL. Both teams left a ton of points on the board, but the Eagles in particular blew a game they probably should have won. That's not to take away from the 49ers effort, because coming back from a 23-3 deficit deserves all sorts of praise. Throw in the fact that it was the first back-to-back road wins since 2006 and the first back-to-back east coast time zone wins since 2001 and there is plenty to be excited about.
Head after the jump to check out some notable numbers from the game.
- The49ershalted a five game losing streak to Philadelphia, beating the Eagles for the 1sttime since 12/21/03 (31-28 in OT).
- The Niners improved their overall series record vs. Philadelphia to 18-12-1, as well as improving to 2-2 at Lincoln Financial Field.
- The 49ers won consecutive road games for the 1st time since 2006, winning at Sea. (12/14) and at Den. (12/31).
- San Francisco won consecutive road games with a 10:00 AM (PT) start and road games in back-to-back weeks for the 1st time since 2001 (11/18 at Car. and 11/25 at Ind.).
- The Niners were down 23-3 in the 3rd qtr. and came back to win 24-23. The 20-pt. deficit overcome by the team was the most since 10/20/96 vs. Cin. In that game, the Bengals led 21-0 in the 2nd qtr. and the 49ers came back to win 28-21.
That's the Difference
· The 49ers defense forced 3 turnovers at Phi. (2 FR, 1 INT), giving the defense 11 takeaways on the season.
· The 49ers have only committed 3 turnovers this year, giving the team a +8 turnover differential on the season.
Run Defense Continues Streak
· The 49ers run defense has not allowed a 100-yd. rusher in the last 26 games, which marks the longest active streak in the NFL. The next closest team to not allow a 100-yd. rusher is Chicago (12).
Goal Line Stand
· In the 2nd qtr, the 49ers defense was faced with a 3rd down at their own 1-yd. line when LB NaVorro Bowman registered is 1st career FR.
Hitting the Century Mark
· RB Frank Gore rushed for 127 yds. and a TD, marking his 25th career 100-yd. game. The 49ers are 18-7 when Gore hits the century mark on the ground.
Mr. 10,000
· With 291 yds. on the day, QB Alex Smith surpassed the 10,000 passing yds. mark, making him the 6th QB in franchise history to pass for over 10,000 yds.
· Smith threw for 179 yds. in the 3rd qtr., marking the most passing yds. by him in any qtr. during his career.
· Smith finished the day with a rating of 112.1, improving his record to 12-1 when he has a passer rating of 96.0 or better.
11-85 Connection
· QB Alex Smith hooked up with TE Vernon Davis on a 9-yd. TD recept. in the 3rd qtr. Davis has now accounted for 21 of Smith's 55 career TD passes (38.2 pct.). Before the afternoon's games, Smith and Davis have the highest TD percentage among all active teammates (since 2001, with at least 20 or more touchdown passes thrown). The two have connected on a TD in 7 of the past 12 games.
Repeat Performance
· WR Joshua Morgan caught his 1st TD of the season and 9th of his career on a 30-yd. recept. from QB Alex Smith. It also marked his 2nd consecutive game with a TD at Phi. (12/20/09). The TD marks his 1st since 12/12/10 vs. Sea.
Coming Up Big
· DT Justin Smith stripped Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin with just over 2 minutes to go in the 4th qtr., marking his 2nd FF of the season and 11th of his career. The loose ball was recovered by S Dashon Goldson, marking his 1st FR of the season and 2nd of his career.
Staying Picky
· CB Carlos Rogers recorded his 2nd INT of the season, picking off Eagles QB Michael Vick in the 1st quarter. This marks the 2nd time in his career he's notched an INT in back-to-back games (11/27/07 vs. SD and 12/4/05 at StL).
· The 49ers have now notched an INT in their first 4 games of the season, marking the 1st time since 2009 that the team has accomplished this feat.
Takin' Him Down
· Rookie LB Aldon Smith notched his 1st career sack, taking down Eagle QB Michael Vick in the 2nd qtr.
· LB Aldon Smith (1.5 sacks on the season) and DT Ray McDonald (2.5 on the season) teamed up on another sack in the 3rd qtr. McDonald leads the team in sacks this season.
Now Making Their Debut
· Rookie RB Kendall Hunter made his 1st career start, becoming the 1st rookie running back to start a game for the 49ers since Glen Coffee in 2009 (vs. Atl. - 10/11).
· Rookie QB Colin Kaepernick made his 49ers debut.
Extending Their Streaks
· TE/LS Brian Jennings has now played in 180 consecutive games.
· DT Justin Smith has now started 159 consecutive games, dating back to his rookie season in 2001. Smith's consecutive start streak ranks 3rd among defensive players and 5th among all NFL players.
· TE Vernon Davis has now started 63 consecutive games, which ranks 3rd in the NFL among TE's behind Tony Gonzalez (73) and Jason Witten (70).
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the eagles first
mistake was not stacking the line and stuffing the holes. AS made them pay a few times, but it shouldn’t have deterred him, if it did at all.
its funny how
in 1st half it was “here we go again” and, in a matter of 90 minutes and a few breaks, everything is sunshine. The sports world we live in. Interesting to see how they play next week
That's why we love the sports
thrilling ups and downs and unexpected turns all around.
49ers just have been on the crappy end of that spectrum for a long time.
the luck eventually swings
This was a game where things bounced the right way, but also the 49ers took advantage of opportunities presented. If they get luck seven more times and finish 10-6 I can live with that.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
10-6 is a likely possiblity
but I’m more intent on seeing if this team shows it is the type of team that can win a playoff game against a good team, rather than, say, the playoff eligible joke last year until the final week.
49ers just beat the Eagles!!
Yeah, the Eagles were 1-2 coming in, but you can’t deny that this is a quality team.
Dallas is 3-1 and the Bengals just beat the 3-0 Bills. I don’t think this team has beaten only scrub teams this year.
dallas is 2-2
right?
"You look at Vladimir Radmanovic, this guy is cut from stone. As if Michelangelo was reading and a lightening bolt flashed before him."
-- Bill Walton, 2.8.2004
Enough
Enough w/the records, enough w/the 2011 stats (for those who cite them at this point). GREAT WIN? Absolutely. But it’s Week 4… Harbaugh’s awesome, Smith’s shown a bit of moxie, who knows?
Let’s just see if we get better each week and see what happens.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions
that's fine
I personally think they’re showing an ability to do that. They’ve been inconsistent in different areas, but considering the lockout-shortened offseason and the fact that we’re only at the quarter point, it would seem to me like they’re improving in their movement forward.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Any playoff game would likely be at home, that helps too
Key point today once again: Arrow Up.
agree
I think there are reasons to be a little concerned as some of the more negative people are, but I also think there are plenty of positives to take from the game.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree
going on the road and beating the eagles — they didn’t score a single point in the 2nd half…wow — is impressive, and hopefully they will build upon it and Harbaugh will have more incentive to open it up for the AS. The Eagles, with their two costly turnovers, gave the niners a chance, and it was good to see they took advantage.
agree
I think some describe luck as timing and opportunity (or something cliched like that). And some say you make your own luck. Either way, they took advantage of opportunities.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
for chirst's sake
down 23-3 at halftime — to the offensive charged Eagles no less — and to come back to win….that’s the niner stuff we might expect from S Young and J Montana teams, but not this one. Will it manifest itself into a solid squad in 2011….we’ll see.
moving forward
The biggest question mark moving forward is how the team takes what it did in the second half and build on that (as opposed to regressing to the first half) next week against Tampa. Can only take it one game at a time, so that’s the opportunity to take another step forward. Fingers crossed.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll be happy to see another win...
but yeah, progress is always nice to see week to week.
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The Hometown Fan
we shut out the eagles in the second half
that alone is amazing
Calm Down
It was 20-3 at half… The Eagles blocked a kick and kicked a FG early in the 3rd… They missed two chippie FG’s… They had a fumble lost while driving… We shut them down, yes. They F’d up alot, yes.
GREAT WIN!
Don’t lose your minds though. Alex had a nice 3rd Quarter, an ‘okay’ rest of the game minus a bad fumble at the end of the 2nd Quarter. I’m optomistic. But do it again next week. He’s always had talent. He’s never been consistent.
Have fun, but keep your expectations in line w/what’s actually happening on the field.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions
wow
I think all of us who are niners fans realize that it can go south and quickly, but why the need
to pee on the birthday cake buddy? Are you actually an Eagles fan? Just wonderin.
can we draft another Ronnie Lott already?
I'm Not Peeing on Anybody
So the cycle is…
AHHHHHHHH!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!
THE OL SUCKS!!! ALEX SUXXX!!! THE PLAYCALLING SUXXX!!! GORE’S DONE…"
then 90 minutes later…
“SUPERBOWL…”
Stats don’t mean a lot 4 weeks into a season. Beating a 1-3 team isn’t the greatest of indicators of…well, anything.
Just trust your eyes…
—Harbaugh’s a great coach
—Alex is improved so far
—The team has ZERO quit or panic
—The front 7 is VERY physical
—Bowman is a player
—Gore’s fine
—The Division is terrible and winnable
Other than that…
Calm down.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
A bad fumble?
Jesus H titty-effing CHRIST. WHAT THE F IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. Babin slapped the ball out of his hand. Some of you need HDTVs still
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 3, 2011 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Some people have to blame the most obvious person, no matter how appropriate it is.
“He fumbled, it must have been a monumental screw up on his part.”
A CB gets beat, and “he sucks” – no, it’s because he was in one-on-one covereage against one of the fastest receivers in the league, and had no safety help. A lineman gives up a sack and he needs to be replaced with a guy who was on the practice squad last year, not that the guy he’s going up against is really really good. etc, etc, etc.
The ball was coming out before the hit
Where’s the conspiracy in that?
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Anyone watch the bucs games?
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
I mean any of them
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Yes
Wouldn’t say they’re ‘great’ by any stretch, but they hit. Their front 7 and their OL play physical football. They play hard for Rahim Morris. They actually have quite a bit in common w/the 49ers.
Josh Freeman is NOT a fluke. I don’t know that he will repeat last year’s numbers, but he is a confident kid, and he does not lose his composure.
Great test for the 49ers. Because I’ve thought all along we’d win this dreadful Division, I’m actually glad we play a ‘good’ team. It’s a better test. Not personally concerned about Wins and Losses this year. VERY INTERESTED to find out if Alex Smith will be Harbaugh’s Franchise QB or not.
Nothing is more important to the 49ers than answering that question.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Ugly first half
After the blocked fg I text my dad saying “That’s game.” I’m glad i didn’t turn it off though. What a brilliant 2nd half by Alex and the offense. We looked like a team today!
No... Ugly last 7 1/2 minutes of the 2nd Quarter
We made mistakes, yeah, but we held our own for the first 22 minutes and change. Then…
—happy feet and bad throw to Vernon on 3rd down
—great touch throw from the endzone to Hunter, drop by Hunter on 3rd down
—Alex’s BAD fumble (he lost the handle before he was hit)
The 49ers front 7 MAULED yet another opponent. Yeah, we could use a Corner and a few other things, but the D did a nice job containing Mike Vick and keeping the Eagles out of the endzone (and “thank you” is in order to Ronnie Brown as well… WTF?). Bad as the 1st half got, the Eagles were NEVER dominating that game…
The greatest aspect of today’s game in my opinion? No panic and no “give up”. Who knows
what Alex Smith will eventually become, but this football team plays HARD for Jim Harbaugh. Many good things ahead w/Jim Harbaugh running the show…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Nnamdi should have come to San Fran lol
Granted his tackling is suspect, but maybe the Niners would actually use him like he should be used, and not how the Eagles are using him.
We never talked to him according to nnamdi
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
I think paying a 30 year old corner
that type of money over that length of time is quite atrocious team management.
Rogers seems like a good pickup
I wouldn’t mind extending him
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
he has been much better
than anyone here expected i believe.
"You look at Vladimir Radmanovic, this guy is cut from stone. As if Michelangelo was reading and a lightening bolt flashed before him."
-- Bill Walton, 2.8.2004
I watch a lot of the Redskins games
Mainly so I can talk my friends down from blowing things out of proportion. Rogers is solid, has been for a while.
that doink off his helmet was pretty funny
even though I think it was in the loss vs Dallas.
He’s been rather solid so far, although he was beat a few times today and the pass was off mark. But no corner is never beat.
Yea
He never saw the ball, I think he was in a decent position. I mean Romo threw it before Witten (I think?) was even looking.
My roommate from college (skins fan), texted me, so I heard Rogers had a ball go off his helmet, pretty typical for him.
I had to explain the context of the play. It was funny though.
In our case? Yes.
If he’s the “last peice” you need to make your title run, do the deal.
In our case? No way. Great restraint showed by Baalke, Harbaugh, both of them, or whoever the heck is actually in charge of making those decisions…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I think they talked to his agent
but not him directly
by sanfranfanmdk on Oct 2, 2011 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions
"Moneyball"
I am pretty sure the Niners are using that approach, and I am glad.
Niners Nation on the Reservation
Can the ravens slow down on the scoring?
I need 24-17 its 17-7
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
IT WILL HAPPEN
and when it does I will be the one dancing in the rain
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
I live in LA now i don't think it will rain this weekend ;(
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
FML
Sanchez screwed me over
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
FML
stupid ravens
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Guffaw...
Thank you for that…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions
the harbowl is gonna hurt man..
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Dude that is so far away
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
the ravens scare the hell outta me haha
if any team is gonna break alex, it may be them
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
I'm trying to think if we can beat the Bucs
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
by manraj7 on Oct 2, 2011 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Me too
and that’s how I felt about the Eagles last week. I guess the Niners have taken on the SF Giants torture their fan base mentality with close games.
I know we can beat them
but I don’t know how
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Tampa just doesn't scare me
They’re good on D granted, but i’m suspecting Josh Freeman might of had a fluke sophomore season.
Anyone else notice Alex’s pass yards keep progressively going up every week…he hasn’t broken the 300 yd. barrier yet but I think that’s coach tempering the play-calling. Maybe not so much today when we came out in the 2nd half plenty more focused. @ any rate, I think if we can win back-to-back road games outside our division…something we have not done in ages, we can beat Tampa and their suspect o-this year.
by Doni S on Oct 2, 2011 7:37 PM PDT via iPhone app up reply actions
So 300 yards next week?
According to FO Tampa is 31st in pass D and 16th in run D.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Smith would have had 300+ this game if not for all the drops.
by ericalancanty on Oct 2, 2011 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
WRs need consistent hands
same with hunter
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
They were broken by the Raiders for good.
They’re now putting their hat into the Andrew Luck sweepstake.
No.
The Jets will not have the #1 pick, barring a trade. They drafted Sanchez in the 1st just three years ago and “he led” them to the AFC Championship game in his first two.
Though I do think Sanchez is a really bad QB, they won’t be #1 pick bad.
Why would they do that?
The have the Sanchize…
"Our opponents are nameless and faceless" - Jim Harbaugh
Twitter
Niners now have twice as many road wins as last year
I know that’s not saying much. But it’s still nice.
He wasn't
I never said he was.
I don’t like the Alex Smith comparison. Any intelligent Jets fan (oxymoron I know) would love to have Alex as of today.
That's a very silly comparison, I feel
Mark Sanchez was placed into a possible SB contender with a great O-Line and a stifling defense when he was drafted.
Alex Smith joined a UFL squad wearing NFL uniforms.
You're right
I take it back, Alex is 100 times better than Mark is. I hope Alex continues his upward trend.
2 Years, 2 AFC Title Games...
…and he’s played well in EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF GAME HE’S BEEN IN.
I have no interest whatsoever in USC. I am NOT a fan of Mark Sanchez. I am not in any way a HATER of Alex Smith.
Alex Smith played a nice 3rd Quarter. Why don’t we just stop talking about other QBs? Alex Smith is our QB. He has much to prove.
You are wrong and naive if you believe otherwise.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions
The Jets win in spite of Mark Sanchez
Not because of him. He had a solid running game with an all-world defense behind him.
That is why they are struggling this year, they can’t get the running game going.
Again...
TWO YEARS IN THE NFL, TWO AFC TITLE GAMES, TWO YEARS OF PLAYING WELL IN EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF GAME HE’S EVER PLAYED IN…
He’s not Joe Montana by a long shot. He’s a decent player who’s getting better despite his growing pains.
“The Jets win IN SPITE of Mark Sanchez”… That’s so very, very cliched.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
You are ignoring quite a bit of context to his play
It isn’t as simple as two AFC title games in two years.
You know nothing of football
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 3, 2011 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
TWO YEARS IN THE NFL, TWO AFC TITLE GAMES, TWO YEARS OF PLAYING WELL IN EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF GAME HE’S EVER PLAYED IN…
Problem is, it’s just not true.
Mark Sanchez has played in six postseason games.
Those include 12-23, 100yds, 4.35 yards/att and an interception at San Deigo. It also includes 18-31, 189 yards, with a pick 6.1 yards/att against Indianpolis.
If Alex Smith put up either of those performances people would be screaming that it proved how he was incapable of ever being a big time QB. I don’t see how you can spin those numbers to say he played well in those games.
Sanchez has definitely played well in some of his postseason games. He was truly excellent against Cincinatti in 2009. He was very good against New England last year. He wasn’t the problem in the loss to Pittsburg last year. But to claim he was good in every single playoff game, well, that’s demonstrably false.
Alex Smith is having a clearly better year this season, with better yards/att, int%, and completion percentage. In some cases the difference is rather dramatic. Maybe that’s a fluke. Smith is having his best season yet, with Sanchez it’s a little more ambiguous (better comp% and yards/att, worse INT%).
On the other hand, Alex Smith has a better career completion percentage and a better career int%, against Sanchez’s better yards/att.
The only argument that makes any sense in claiming that Sanchez is a clearly better QB is his team’s success. But of course that’s a function of his team … not him: in 2009 they had the top-rated defense in points and yards. In 20010 those numbers dropped … third in yards, sixth in points. Alex Smiths’ defenses have ranked 16, 4, 13, 20, 32, and 30 in points, and generally worse in yards.
Sanchez’s running game: First in yards, third in TDs, 5th in yards/att in 2009, 4th, 9th, and 8th in 2010. Smith’s teams have never ranked higher than 18th in rushing TDs, and only have one top-10 finish in yards/att.
So clearly using the team success as a measure of the quality of the quarterbacking is not a level playing field.
Well
Thanks for doing the legwork for me there!
ROTISSERIE GEEKS? HELLO...!
Thank you for continuing to BE the example of STAT freaks who didn’t play…
Sanchez PLAYED QUITE WELL against both the Chargers and Colts. I watched every snap of both those games. Big TD throw late against the Bolts, he controlled the LOS well in the run game, executed a very conservative gameplan nicely for a rookie. Vs the Colts the Jets actually led at halftime. He held is own v Peyton Manning on the road AS A ROOKIE.
You can play well without putting up big numbers, ladies.
Football games are a slog, a war of attrition, a battle of surviving many ups and downs. It’s not always pretty, the numbers aren’t always great. I hear this excuse from the SmithFreaks ALL THE TIME? Why doesn’t it apply to other QBs?
Continued success w/your fantasy football geekdom… Don’t pull a “hammy” as you scour the earth for the perfect “numbers” to tell you what to think.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Sanchez controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game
How do you mean he controlled the LOS in the run game?
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Short Version first...
The QB sometimes does a lot more than hand the ball off on run plays…
—Identifying the front (yes, the QB does this as well as the Center), recognizing which technique the DT’s are playing (how are they LEVERAGED v the OLINE; such as a 1-technique 3-technique, etc)
—Adjusting the play (not necessarily and audible) ; sometimes it’s as simple as an “opposite” call (that should be self-explanatory), other times it’s changing it (certain runs need to be run TOWARD certain technique, others CAN’T be run into to a certain technique).
—Managing the playclock/tempo/etc via cadence and getting in and out of the huddle quickly. Ton of little things going on here. Shifts and motions built into the gameplan to help the offense, often they have to be aborted if the QB can’t “manage” the LOS fast enough.
A QB varying his cadence well can get a key 1st down via penalty on 3rd and short. They can use a quick count or silent count to gain an advantage running into an overloaded front instead of checking to a different play.
More things I’m not mentioning. Lots going on at the LOS, and this is just in the the run game…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
comments
That’s more or less where I figured you were going with it, but I wanted to make sure that’s what you meant. Not so much the specific details, but the general idea.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Not everyone does it well.
Many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many QB’s STRUGGLE MIGHTILY to deal w/the many nuances of playing the position.
Your assertion that “Every QB blahblahblah” is just DUMBBBBBBB.
Aren’t “doing something” and “DOING SOMETHING WELL” two different things?
Did you not know that already, or were you simply trying to WIN AN ARGUMENT…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Not Every Pro Does This Stuff Well
You think the Raiders would have been happy to give JaMarcus “bonus points” for doing some of these — how did you say it — “basics of the position” well?
:-)
That’s rhetorical also, but feel free to answer…
Many of the best QB’s in the game ARE THE BEST because they are “doing the basics of the position” (you talk funny!) better than the rest.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
fantasy geeks
It’s just as cliched to make comments about fantasy geeks. Just because people disagree with your opinion and want to consider more of the numbers in the situation doesn’t make them some kind of fantasy geek in their mother’s basement.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
My sarcasm, bluster, faux-anger, whatever...
No offense intended gents…
Nothing wrong w/being a FF Geek, nothing wrong w/living in your Mother’s basement.
Okay… Maybe there’s a LITTLE something wrong w/living in your Mother’s basement…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
You are cherry picking certain stats from certain games
We are looking at the big picture. We conceded he has had played well in some games. He is coddled by Rex Ryan in that offense. An offense that isn’t running the ball well this year, hence their mediocre results.
He still isn’t a very good QB…
Nooooo....
You guys are CHERRY PICKING SEASON STATS…
You’re NOT looking at the big picture. What’s that CAREER and PLAYOFF record? ‘Cause really, what’s more important than that?
He’s NOT coddled by Rex Ryan, just as A.Smith is NOT coddled by Harbaugh (Are they both “protected”, maybe, coddled no. trust me, there’s a difference, and I CAN explain. topic for another time…)
It’s FRACKING HARD TO PLAY QB WHEN YOUR COACH DOESN’T WANT TO THROW UNLESS IT’S 3RD AND 8!!!
And no, Mark Sanchez is still not a very good STATISTICAL QB…
As a real world QB? He’s been WILDLY successful for a 3rd year pro.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
He doesn't have a career playoff record
His team does. He is one player. You won’t get far around here with the QB wins ‘stat.’
Career QB rating: 71.0
Career Comp%: 54.5%
Career Yrds/Att: 6.6
That isn’t very good. You still didn’t really have an answer to any of Ronaldinho’s points above, there isn’t much more I can add to that.
Btw
Why do you think his coach doesn’t want to throw? Lack of trust maybe? He knows what Sanchez can and can’t do…
Lol
Yeah, Rex Ryan would be a regular Mouse Davis if it weren’t for Mark Sanchez….
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I won't get far...in someone's Mother's basement?
I kid, kid… Please, don’t take it seriously (take it seriously).
And HOW THE HECK can I speak to your points or Ronaldinho’s?
ALL YOU GEEKS DO IS SPOUT STATISTICS!
Again, I’m just kidding (no I’m not).
Trying to talk to some REAL football w/you, ladies.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
You can't dismiss stats outright
And say you want to talk real football in the same argument and expect me to go any further with this.
From watching Sanchez you can see his problems with decision making and his inability to take care of the ball, the stats are there to back it up in a much more objective way than using the eye-test, which is a very difficult way to discuss anything.
Football is not like Baseball, in Baseball stats paint a much clearer picture, in Football there is a lot more context to them. We provided that context to flesh out our argument (Jets’ defense, running game…etc, etc).
You say he is a ‘WILDLY successful’ QB (which you then go on to qualify with ‘for a 3rd yr QB,’ we are talking about as an NFL QB, he isn’t good, no qualifiers.) because his team got to and won playoff games…We have nothing further to discuss.
Also
You keep making these snide remarks and then saying don’t take them seriously but do…
Clearly you want to say them, so say them. Seems like a way to get around the site rules while still throwing down your internet memes (mom’s basement, geeks, really?). These ‘insults’ (I’m not really insulted) don’t do much to help your position though.
I give up...
You’re no fun. Are you scowling? I picture you scowling… Do you really take life and yourself so seriously?
My freaking handle is a quote from ANCHORMAN. Site decorum? Poking fun w/a few FF geek jabs and you mention site rules? C’mon…
As for the points…
YOU GUYS ARE KILLING YOURSELVES CITING STATS!
That clear? ‘Cause that’s a BIG PART of what I’m saying.
As for Sanchez? Mark Sanchez can play. He’s made MULTIPLE THROWS in GAMES I’VE WATCHED over the course of TWO YEARS to WIN GAMES. In OT, end of regulation, he’s done it REPEATEDLY.
Not bad for a 3rd year pro.
His playoff record speaks for itself.
The ‘team game’ argument? That’s like arguing that a starting pitcher’s win/loss record is no more significant than any other players win/loss record.
You talk about ‘context’ to stats as they relate to football. You’re absolutely right; AND YOU AND SO MANY OTHERS REPEATEDLY TAKE ALL THE STATS AND MANIPULATE THEM OUT OF THE PROPER CONTEXT.
My guess — and it always sounds bad — you never played, or never played beyond HS.
Playing QB is SO MUCH MORE THAN stats… Terry Bradshaw, 4 TITLES, HOF player. Lousy stats (even factoring in the era they are lousy stats in many ways), played w/a team that had a GREAT DEFENSE.
So is Alex Smith as good as HOFer Terry Bradshaw? Just doesn’t have the team around him?
Many of you defend Alex Smith from the same arguments that you ATTACK other QB’s with.
Do you just want to ARGUE, or do you want to be open to looking at football from the viewpoint of people who have been there/done that?
And it’s a joke, a jest i’ve poked at you in fun, but I’m guessing you are sensitive to it because you are a “FF Geek” who never played.
And I’m an “idiot ex-jock who can’t read”… Lighten up guys, there’s a stereotype that fits everyone. Don’t take yourselves so seriously.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
wins/losses
Pitchers wins are not a fantastic stat, but I’m more inclined to recognize the value of wins and losses for pitchers than I am for quarterbacks. Baseball has many more individual aspects to it than football.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Understand your point...
…but as a person who played beyond HS (C and QB) I respectfully disagree.
Playing QB in this day and age is FAR MORE COMPLEX AND INDIVIDUALIZED than playing C.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions
…and FOOTBALL ITSELF is far more complex and individualized in my opinion. Baseball’s complex but in a more languid, arbitrary way…
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not offended at all
And I recognize you are joking, I wasn’t taking any of them seriously. If I was, my responses probably would have been much more fiery
I was pointing out they don’t add to your argument, in fact, I think they detract from them….I really can’t take many of your arguments seriously.
"...I really can't take many of your arguments seriously."
Well-played.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions
anchorman
I’ll be honest, I had to look up the Merlin Olsen line. I remember a lot of lines from it, but hadn’t remembered that one.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Give me some credit...
Ron busts that line out as a last resort when he’’s…
DESPERATELY TRYING TO SALVAGE HIS FAILING CONVERSATION
There’s a certain symmetry to a jacka** like me using that handle in a forum like this, no?
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions
lol
…just a couple. Not a lot of “leather-bound” picture books…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions
records
He has done things right but when you keep just pointing to the team’s win/loss record to justify why Sanchez is good, you are ignoring that this is a team game.
Whether you like it or not, stats help provide context to something generic like a win/loss record. He’s been put in a position for his teams to succeed.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Harbaugh...
Harbaugh REPEATEDLY cites ’WINS" as one of the KEY STATS he looks for in a QB.
I love Harbaugh.
You disagree?
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Why didn't you mention the TD throws?
For example, along w/the rest of the STATS, you FAIL to mention his critical TD pass late in the game v the Chargers?
Are you perhaps less interested in whether or not Sanchez played well, and MORE INTERESTED in WINNING AN ARGUMENT?
It was a COMEBACK VICTORY ON THE ROAD, btw…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
uhhhh......
….this one shoulda’ shown up WAY UP THERE….
[pointing North]
Getting used to the site. My apologies.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Rams would most definitely TRADE
with the new rookie contract scale, I’m sure teams will be much more willing to trade up
Yeah no way Rams would take Luck
and bench Bradford at 50m guaranteed
yeah, with QB's in such high demand
There could be some serious outbidding going on… But I think the Chiefs or Colts land #1
But they will
It’s why they are fine with Manning taking the year off. They’ll just have Luck follow Aaron Rodgers’ progress chart. Sit a few years behind a hall of famer than let the rains loose.
let the rains loose
It’s what clouds do.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Normally I don’t like to be a jerk about spelling unless the misspelling itself is amusing. So, it’s not personal. I just thought it was a funny image.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Cool.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
we're not losing to the rams
much less twice
So...
…we’re the ’85 Bears now? After a win against 1-3 Philadelphia?
Common sense, people. It’s week 4. Enjoy the win. Don’t lose your minds dreaming about the ‘New Dynasty’ though.
We were 0-5 last year and 1-6…
AND controlled our own destiny in Week 16…
Don’t sleep on the Rams — or ANYBODY — just yet.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Dunno, there's a lot of teams that will be in contention for the number one pick.
And I am not even convinced Luck will be the first QB taken to be quite honest. There’s two other guys right now that are going to give him a run for that spot in Jones and Griffin.
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The Hometown Fan
Luck
It’ll be interesting to see how things change, if at all. My favorite example (albeit an exaggerated version of it) was that previous Kentucky QB Andre Woodson. He was considered a first round pick early in the season and ended up in like the sixth round. Not the same obviously, but how crazy it can get.
I’m hoping Luck goes #1 just for the sake of the wild coverage I’ve been providing about him at SB Nation Bay Area.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Luck was scouted
as high as Peyton Manning coming out of college, who was the highest graded QB out college in recent memory. He is as accurate and as smart as any QB it seems to me, I don’t seen any reason, barring injury, why Luck wouldn’t go no. 1, whoever earns the right to that pick
the picking apart
I’m just curious to see how the nit-picking affects his stock. I hope he finishes the year strong and does get that number one pick. But the scouts will have at him so I’m waiting to see how that process develops. I think it will be a bigger issue during the draft season. Well, unless Stanford gets to a BCS bowl and he has a Shane Falco-like bowl game.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess what I'm trying to say
is this one of the rare years where there is actually a legit, franchise QB worthy of a no. 1 overall pick. The last one, by scouts lights, was Manning. Luck is more polished than Bradford, Stafford, or Newton.
Bradford
Wasn’t the big knock on Bradford more about his injuries than his abilities? He wasn’t compared to Manning, but I can’t quite recall what people thought of his abilities outside of the shoulder injuries.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Bradford was the highest rated QB since Manning as a JR
then got injured and showed at his pro day he was still that highly ranked.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 2, 2011 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions
And then he broke some of Manning's rookie records
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The Hometown Fan
Eh, just like they did to Newton
And we saw how that worked out. Luck will be #1, not factoring injury of course.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
Would love to get Griffin
I don’t even care that we drafted Keap this year. Let them fight out to be the QBotf, and if anything, at least we have a good backup with similar tools.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
If Andrew Luck Goes To Santa Cruz...
…and a Great White Shark gnaws off his right arm while he’s body surfing…
…he’ll still be drafted number 1 overall.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:55 AM PDT up reply actions
NO THEY WOULDN'T!!!
Bradford is a GREAT prospect. 0-4 doesn’t change that.
He has a HUGE contract. 0-4 doesn’t change that.
Andrew Luck isn’t JESUS CHRIST. 0-4 doesn’t change that.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Rams and Cards won't draft a QB when it's just the 2nd year for both of their QB's.
And Seattle will draft Barkley.
Seattle taking Barkley?
You really think so? I would think they’d take Luck over Barkley if they have the opportunity.
I think the Cardinals would be more than happy to take Luck.
Seattle will draft Barkley
They didn’t draft Mays.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Barkely...
He will probably be a 3rd rounder I am guessing like Colt MCCoy
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I'm not sure about the Cards
I think the “Kevin Kolb” experiment will end. He wasn’t good in Philly, and he’s not good in Arizona, even with the best receiver in the NFL.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
Honestly the only Kolb highlights I've seen
are just jump balls to Fitz that Larry just hauls in amazingly
Surprisingly, I don't think the Cards overpaid Larry in that extension
I think he will be very good for a long time.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
even if they did "overpay" in terms of WR production
It was worth it just to keep their offense from stinking terribly.
The dude
is a ridiculous playmaker. He has strength, speed, and hands. He’s also tall enough to catch balls over corners. Look at the stats he put up last year, when all the Cards’ QBs sucked.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
Look At His Contract
Good or bad…
Kevin Kolb will be the starter in Arizona for years to come.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions
As Ridiculous as that sounds...
…Alex Smith has ALL THE TOOLS as well.
—smart
—tough
—good teammate, respected in the locker room
—good arm strength
—has touch
—has mobility
—has some speed for a QB
I’m sure I’m missing a number of attributes but you get the point.
Harbaugh wants Luck, obviously.
EVERYBODY wants Luck.
We probably CAN’T get him.
Sooooo… Let’s just see what we can see w/Alex. Harbaugh’s obviously recognized the stuff I’m talking about and he’s taking a shot at it. Today? Well, I finally have a glimmer of hope that MAYBE Alex can develop into what we always wanted him to be.
He’s got 12 weeks and counting to get that done or he’s gone.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 1:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd be very happy to get Luck, but
1) a team doesn’t need the #1 QB in the league in order to win the Super Bowl; and
2) I think Alex and/or Kaep can, with an improved team, can win a Super Bowl. Key word: team. (And coaching, at all levels.)
Niners Nation on the Reservation
Look at Super Bowl Winning QB's throughout history...
Is it absolutely necessary to have a Franchise QB? No. Sure doesn’t hurt though…
2011-Rodgers
2010-Brees
2009-Roethlisberger
2008-E.Manning
2007-P.Manning
2006-Brady
2005-Brady
2004-Roethlisberger
2003-Brad Johnson
2002-Brady
2001-Dilfer
2000-Warner
That’s just the last few years (and my apologies if I screwed up the order at all). And EVEN TRENT DILFER AND BRAD JOHNSON were PRO BOWLERS (Dilfer in ‘98, Johnson a couple of times, don’t remember the years).
Jim Plunkett was the ONLY Super Bowl winning QB never to have at least been a Pro Bowler and All Pro or a League MVP. And he’s a bubble HOF candidate.
The QB’s importance? Underrated if anything. Never overrated.
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, the question is:
Do those teams win because they have pro bowl QBs, or do they have pro bowl QBs because they win?
I agree with you that it’s very difficult to win in the NFL without successful play from the quarterback position. It’s the most important position on the field. But I think Roethlisberger is a good example to look at here: when that team is clicking, they’re protecting him well, and he looks great. On the other hand, when you can get to him, he looks very mediocre and throws a lot of picks.
I cite this example a lot, but Chris Doleman eating Bubba Paris for lunch made Joe Montana look bad. Alex Smith’s sack percentage this year is 11.6. Only once in his career has Tom Brady’s been above 6. Last year, everyone was talking about the struggles Peyton was having because of his offensive line … and he was sacked on only 2.3% of his dropbacks! Obviously some of that is because Peyton is really really good at anticipating and avoiding the pressure. But some of it is because he’s been behind really good offensive lines.
When a team wins consistently, people start talking about the QB as a “franchise” guy. Obviously, in some cases (Peyton, Brady, Brees) that makes a lot of sense. But I think in a lot of other cases we start calling the guy a franchise QB because the team puts him in a position to succeed: eg, Eli or Big Ben. But heck, even maybe Brees fits into that second category: after his third year, the team was ready enough to give up on him that they drafted a quarterback with an early first round pick. Then the team started to come together, and they realized what they had in him.
Very few really 'get' it...
[sighhhhhh]
Always w/the stats…
EVERY QB IS BETTER WHEN THE LINE PLAYS WELL.
Okay, that should make that clear. Pretty self explanatory.
Roethlisberger is a bubble HOF guy right now. Romo — taking SOOOO much flak right now — he’s very good as well.
Outside of the vaccuum where stats are used to SUGGEST someone like Alex Smith can even be mentioned w/guys like Roethlisberger, Romo, Flacco, etc., USE YOUR EYEBALLS…
Yes, some QB’s play a style of game that lends itself to higher INT and/or sack totals. But arguing that ANY OF THESE GUYS IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS OLINE, well, that’s RIDICULOUS.
Do more accolades come to players on good teams. Well of course. Duh.
Looking at it in the vaccuum, you’ll argue all day about is so-and-so a Pro Bowler/All Pro/Whatever because of the line, because of the team around them, because they got to the Super Bowl, etc.
OPEN YOUR EYES and look at it for what it is… A list of DAMN GOOD QB’s. Who cares about the finer details. Super Bowl winning QBs are typically VERY, VERY GOOD.
Big Ben, Eli, Brad Johnson… Might not be HOFers. Damn good QBs.
My gut tells me the majority of this BS stems from the RIDICULOUS attempt to somehow argue that it’s only been CIRCUMSTANCE that’s made htese other QBs better than Alex Smith.
That’s a laughable argument. Alex can IMPROVE to reach their level, but those players are VERY GOOD ON THEIR OWN MERITS regardless of the team around them.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Roethlisberger is a bubble HOF guy right now.
You missed my point.
My point is that if you’re the QB on a team that wins a lot, you’ll be in consideration for pro bowls. And if you’re a QB on a team that wins a lot over a long period of time, you’ll be in consideration for the hall of fame.
Outside of the vaccuum where stats are used to SUGGEST someone like Alex Smith can even be mentioned w/guys like Roethlisberger, Romo, Flacco, etc., USE YOUR EYEBALLS…
Have you watched Flacco this year? He’s been terrible. Have you watched Roethlisberger? Very up and down. Romo’s mistakes have killed his teams chances in multiple games this year.
I’m using my eyeballs. You seem to be selectively ignoring lots of plays.
The reason why I use stats is because they don’t ignore anything. It’s easier than trying to find video links to post.
Flacco is very good on his own merrits? You’re kidding me, right? Have you actually watched him play this year?
"ThisYearThisYearThisYear..."
Stop…saying…this…year. JeeezusLouisezus, people.
WE ARE ONLY 4 GAMES into this year!
Roeth, Romo, Flacco, even Sanchez?
Yeah, it’s been a tough start for those guys…
And all of a sudden DOZENS of playoff games, TWO TITLES for Ben, etc., etc., all that doesn’t count?
And Alex is now the CLUTCH QB OF THE MILLENIUM because of some vague QBR v the Blitz nonsense and a 3 wins v team w/a combined 3-9 record?
My points are NOT to detract from Alex who is playing some good football. I AM DEFENDING THESE OTHER VERY GOOD QB’s.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
As for Flacco...
Why is that the argument defending Smith is always:
“Only Winning and Losing matters. Stats don’t count.”
Why doesn’t that apply to other players?
Why do Flacco and Sanchez have to ‘win pretty’?
Let’s see where Flacco and Sanchez will be at the end of the year. Thus far in there CAREERS, they’ve never missed the playoffs.
Yes, they’ve been on good teams. Absolutely that has helped them, Sanchez especially. I do know this though, I ABSOLUTELY do NOT think the Jets would have succeeded w/Kellen Clemons at the controls. And if you penalize those guys for being on good teams, then why aren’t you saying that Alex Smith didn’t really do anything other than have a nice 3rd Q yesterday? Because it wouldn’t be correct. Alex LED his team to the win. These guys LEAD there teams. It’s not always pretty. That’s football, that’s playing QB.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Roethlisberger...
He should be in jail on a rape charge… That’s my biggest thought on Big Ben.
Aside from that though…
He’s MADE A CAREER of buying time in the pocket, extending plays, making throws under duress.
He’s the kind of player who HELPS a suspect OLINE.
So he’s thrown some picks and had some tough games lately. And Alex hasn’t been throwing picks. So now the RIDICULOUS STAT MONSTERS have come up w/some concoction of numbers to try and get you to think that Alex Smith is BETTER dealing w/pressure than a bunch of other guys?
TRUST YOUR EYES…
Ben makes big plays, UNDER PRESSURE, all the time.
Great players do that.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Another STAT... [sigh]
Alex’s (or any QB’s) sack percentage is NOT SOLELY A REPRESENTATION OF HOW WELL THE OL IS PERFORMING IN PASS PROTECTION.
QB’s have a TON of responsibility when it comes to pass protection/blitz pickups.
RB’s have critical responsibilities during pass protection and blitz pickups.
Another STAT TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT to try and make a point.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't read this yet but espn stats
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/27632/49ers-rally-overcome-vicks-career-day
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Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
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When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Of course, but that is fine
Add more fuel to the fire…
I'm in business of giving the business and business is booming!
Finally...Alex is making and/or buying time with his feet
and his calm demeanor when a called play breaks down.
Alex is calmly looking downfield and making wise decision.
Alex’s athletic ability is now starting to show…a thats a good thing!
the win
Big win and things are moving in the right direction. I’m confident the coaching staff will look at the tape tomorrow and Tuesday and recognize improvements are needed.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m sure every team could say the same. Not team is perfect and the first half was a downer… but the only thing that matters is a ‘W’…
People need to realize how much of an improvement this is over years past and how we would have found a way to lose both of the last two games in the last few seasons.
Lots of improvements across the board…and in a very weak division none the less.
1981 Niners had a lot of bumps in the road as well.
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improvements
I agree that this team has made a ton of improvements. You can see so much improvement that we haven’t seen over the last six years. And I am ecstatic about that.
The key is going to be building on it though and improving further to take advantage of a seriously weak division. The 49ers are in the drivers seat in the NFC West as long as they don’t regress or rest on their laurels. The best way to do that is continue battling to improve.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions
It's only the first 25% of the season but I'll take it up to this point.
This team is literally an overtime field goal away from being 4-0
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Cowboys game
They are three points from being 4-0, but the breakdowns that led to those three points and that loss overall are things that need to be improved. Most notable defense against the big play. While they are close to being 4-0, they’ve had enough breaks that have kept them from being 2-2 as well.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Those "breaks" are ones that in the past 8-10 years have been going the other way.
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agree
Breaks are going their way at this point. Hopefully it stays that way, but things can swing quickly. That’s why it’s important to keep working to improve the weaknesses so you rely less on breaks and more on what I like to call awesomeness.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope they can get to that point of awesomeness consistency. Not there yet but lot’s of progress from week to week.
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agree
I think what I might qualify as “frustrating” is putting together an awful half that puts them in a hole early. I’ll take 3-1 every day of the week, but can’t keep building big holes.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
true
But Megatron brings all sorts of awesomeness by himself.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh I know
It isn’t similar.
I want to just see them go out and stomp somebody though, aside from when we play them obviously.
Would you trade one Megatron for an Edwards and Crabtree?
As good as he is, I wouldn’t.
Cannot wait to see Edwards, Crabtree, and Davis on the field at one time.
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Nice , the O will be clicking by that time , this team is getting better by the week ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
I would
I think Crabtree is showing some great stuff, but I’d argue Megatron is the best wide receiver in the NFL. He is playing like Randy Moss during his first three or four years in Minnesota.
I hope Crabtree turns into a superstar and I think he and Edwards could be solid, but I just don’t think I could say no to Calvin Johnson over those two. It’s an interesting discussion though.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Larry Fitzgerald
is the best WR in the NFL.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
I think Megatron is...
But I still would not give up two premier receivers for one.
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If you have faith in Kyle Williams
Calvin Johnson, Kyle Williams and Ginn/Morgan could be a very good squad.
True.
It’s just the thought of giving up Crabtree and Edwards I suppose. If Megatron was a Niner, maybe I wouldn’t feel so bad about it thereafter.
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No I understand completely
I said earlier, we haven’t seen Crabtree and Edwards play together in an aggressive playcalling regime… so I might very well eat my words later
one thing I will say...
I could very well change my tune in November when Edwards is healthy if he and Crabtree are blowing it up. I reserve the right to flip-flop.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Larry Fitzgerald is not...
…the best WR in football.
Calvin Johnson is RIDICULOUS. Period.
No one else is in the DISCUSSION right now.
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm with you
I love Andre, but not strictly speaking this year. Doesn’t help he’s hurt now :(.
Andre's NOT as fast, not as big
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Game planning has a lot to do with that.
Once again, they struggled early on with running the ball. They have to open up the run with the pass. When they spread it out in the second half, it didn’t matter that Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, and DRC were back there….
Have to pass more. Alex could be one of those 300-350 yard passers per game… he has shown that his decision making is 1000x’s better. Gotta let him spin it at some point. Especially once Edwardxs is back.
We have too much talent at the receiver position to be letting it go to waste for the run game.
Green Bay didn’t put up 50 points today on the ground. And if we ever want to be in competition with teams like that, the passing game has to evolve.
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I felt like the second half of this game was the first time all season that Harbaugh has taken the baby playbook out of Smith’s hands and let him play with the real one.
At the end of the first half, my only thought was this: “If the plan is to have the starting QB throw for 150 safe yards a game, Kaepernick can do it just as well.”
The playcalling early in this season has, in some ways, been worse than Raye. I hope they keep using the real playbook again next week.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
2nd half of this game, I think our "identity" was born.
Like you, I just hope the coaches took note and latch on to it.
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Definitely
After all those “I don’t knows” Mora was talking about with Jim in the first half, I was really getting worried about the rest of the season and more after that. Second half changed that thinking quick, and it needs to stick.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
Why?
Why do we “Gotta let him spin it at some point”?
We are 3-1.
Luck through for 227 against UCLA. Harbaugh’s offense is a power run game.
Who gives a sh*t about STATS? 300 yd games are MEANINGLESS. Wins matter.
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:05 AM PDT up reply actions
That's the point
You can’t hang with the big boys if you can’t throw the ball. You also can’t put the nail in their coffin if you can’t run it, but you’ll never get them into the box if you can’t throw it.
I think we learned that lesson on Sunday.
My Point Is...
You don’t have to “throw it a lot” to successfully throw it.
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
How'd the O-Line look?
Obviously there were still penalties and sacks, but I would think the success on TD drives had to be a sign of better O-Line play?
o-line
I’ve started re-watching the game and starting in the late third quarter the line seemed to really start to step up. I listened to the game on the radio re-watching now.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
There was more success
but the Eagles rarely blitzed. Davis did get beat two times, but it was against one of the best pass rushers in the league. They did a very good job in cutting down penalties.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
Ist half there was some (5) drop passes that were drive killers ...
… the O line played better , but the the whole Offense as a unit played well in the second half , ball got out quick , good blocks from both the backs and receivers , down field blocking from the lot , it was nice …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
they could be 0-4
really though, they should have beaten the Cowboys, should have lost to the Eagles..
so.. they should be 3-1 and they’re 3-1, I think we can all move on from the catastrophe of blowing that Cowboy game. The Eagles shanked a 33 yarder, threw a fumble at the 1, and fumbled on the game winning drive.
by whistlingmountain on Oct 2, 2011 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Their 4-0 aginst the spread ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
3-0-1
Dallas game was a 3 point spread for most books.
by whistlingmountain on Oct 2, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope ... 3.5 here where it matters ( Vegas ) ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
What was your overall opinion of O-Line play and...
do you think Adam Synder was a factor in the O-Line playing pretty good?
o-line
I listened to the game on the radio so unfortunately can’t say. I’m going back to re-watch the game on my DVR.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point
I really didn’t see many mistakes coming over there, except a couple missed blocks by Davis. I’d have to say Snyder was an improvement. Eagles really didn’t bring much heat though, which is what has killed our line, as well as Alex the previous 3 weeks.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
Ray MacDonald given a little love on NBC Sunday Night Football
He was shown exercising with kids in school… “Ray MacDonald of the San Francisco 49ers blah blah blah”
ravens are just daring sanchez to beat em
and he is quite bad hahaha
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Ignorant...
There is SO much more to it than that…
Two AFC title games in a row? An accident? Coincidence that he’s played well in EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF GAME HE’S EVER PLAYED IN?
So Alex Smith is now Joe Montana? After a nice 3rd Quarter v the Eagles?
I"m a Stanford fan, BTW. No ties whatsoever to Sanchez, USC or the Jets.*
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:09 AM PDT up reply actions
On the back of
One of the best pass defenses and offensive lines assembled this decade.
This was a team built to win Super Bowls, but Sanchez wasn’t ready. I’m not saying he won’t be, but there were no missing pieces to the puzzle. When you get to the championship game, “well” isn’t good enough.
They Are Good...
but…
“One of the best pass defenses and offensive lines assembled this decade.”
Sanchez is underrated. This statement is overrated.
It’s a very good group but Rex Ryan’s been blowing smoke up your a$$ my friend…
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Top of My Head? This Decade?
Okay, let’s see…
PASS DEFENSES
—multiple Ravens teams
—early 2000’s Buccaneers teams
—multiple Steelers teams
—2005 & 2006 Bears teams
OFFENSIVE LINES
-Multiple Vikings teams (not last year though; B.McKinnie quit on them)
-several Patriots teams (earlier in the decade)
-several Steelers teams (while they had Faneca)
I’m sure I’m missing some good D’s and OL’s that are deserving to be named.
Don’t get me wrong, the Jets are VERY GOOD, I agree w/you on that. But a whole host of teams have been nearly/as good/or better.
They’re not to the 2000’s what the the ‘85 Bears were to the 80’s…
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Name a better one
Means two units assembled at the same time on the same team.
And don’t give me this “multiple”, “early”, and “several”.
If there are so many you can pick out a team and a year. It’s a very simple question.
Multiple...Early...Several
I’ll give you whatever I want, Mister…
You’re not my ex-wife. Don’t tell me what to do.
—2000 Ravens
—2001 Patriots
—2002 Bucs
—2005 Steelers
—2006 Bears
—2009 Vikings
Not trying to ruin things for ya’ while you stare dreamily up at your NICK MANGOLD POSTER while wearing your REVIS ISLAND PAJAMAS but…
Last year’s Jets gave up 20 or more points in half their games: 45, 38, 27, 23, 20, 20, 20, 20.
They scored less than 10 points in four games: 0, 3, 6, 9.
11-5, two playoff wins. A very solid year. A very good team.
Stop w/the all-decade riduculousness…
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh I'm not telling you what you have to do
Just applying the time honored rule of put up or shut up. You’re perfectly welcome to do the second if you can’t do the first.
2000 Ravens gave up 43 sacks and 5.3 yards per pass attempt.
2001 Patriots gave up 46 sacks and 6 yards per pass attempt.
2002 Bucs gave up 41 sacks and 4.5 yards per pass attempt.
2005 Steelers gave up 32 sacks and 5.3 yards per pass attempt.
2006 Bears gave up 25 sacks and 5.0 yards per pass attempt.
2009 Vikings gave up 34 sacks and 6.0 yards per pass attempt.
Compare that to the 2009 team that Sanchez walked into.
The 2009 Jets only gave up 30 sacks and 4.8 yards per pass attempt.
Only the 2002 Bucs had a better pass defense and only the 2006 Bears protected their QB better.
Not one team you listed did both better than the team Mark Sanchez walked into.
I actually don’t like the Jets. My old man was a Colts fan so I was raised with a healthy hatred of them. But that doesn’t change the facts at hand — not even because you say so.
STATS should be like GUNS...
Many of you should be LISCENCED and TRAINED before being allowed to use them.
Is Joe Montana (arguably) the GOAT? Hell yes. Do the stats bear this out? Nope. Oh wait a minute, yes they do…
W-I-N-S. C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S-H-I-P-S.
Or was Joe just on a good team?
(Yes, that too was rhetorical though I’d LOVE to hear some of you WEASEL your way out of this one)
Didn’t one of you actually say win/loss record isn’t indicative of how good a starting QB is? Please…
OBJECT OF THE FRICKING GAME IS TO WIN… How’s that not and indicative stat for the most important player on the field. It’s the stat you start looking at first.
What did Joe do in College? He WON. How were his stats? Mediocre.
STATS LIE, BROTHER!
2000 Ravens SUPER BOWL WINNER I’d argue they were better than ANY Jets team this decade
-2001 Pats SUPER BOWL WINNER
-2002 Bucs SUPER BOWL WINNER
-2005 Steelers SUPER BOWL WINNER
-2006 Bears SUPER BOWL LOSER
-2009 Vikings -
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
hmmm... am i having a 'psychic break'?
apparently i’m either subconsciously ARGUING MY OWN POINTS or…
…having some unintentional html issues. :- /
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions
The Niners were down 23-3 in the 3rd qtr. and came back to win 24-23. The 20-pt. deficit overcome by the team was the most since 10/20/96 vs. Cin. In that game, the Bengals led 21-0 in the 2nd qtr. and the 49ers came back to win 28-21.
Wasn’t that the game Siefert threw a chair?
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
well...
Good ones would get buried amidst the cats.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions
yep
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Yes
It’s always at the in-laws house…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Well the Jets O-line and D are banged up
so that certainly doesn’t help. I just help the Niners keep improving week to week, because I am going to that game, and I don’t want to witness a massacre lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Oct 2, 2011 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
They should just go at it like real Brothers
1 on 1
screw the players…. lets see them box it out
If we did it your way, Kingslayer, you'd win.
We’re not doing it your way.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 2, 2011 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I just realized
I have the Ravens defense in one league and the Jets in another. Kind of odd, I was kind of hoping for a 10-7 score or something…
Is Flacco any good?
I was always a little confused by how much love he seems to get in this league. I never saw him as anything special. Not bad, by any means, but not so good.
There are only a handful of truly good QBs in the NFL
the rest are on a sliding scale of the chances they take and the luck they have with said chances
by whistlingmountain on Oct 2, 2011 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
That's a very accurate description of the state of QBs in the NFL.
I’ve never really thought about it that way, but I think you’re totally right. There’s the top 5 or so, and then the other 15-20 kinda slide around based on situation.
Disagree So Much I'm Nearly Having A Heart Attack
Rodgers. Brady. Brees. Manning. Rivers. Vick. Roethlisberger. Ryan. Romo. Schaub and on and on and on…
Quarterback has never been played at such a high level.
Great young players in the pipeline as well.
And rule changes to ‘protect’ the QB be damned. Guys are so big and so fast now, QB’s have NEVER faced as many challenges as they face today. The game is so COMPLEX, the athlete’s are SO GOOD and FAST, the hitting is SO VIOLENT, there are so many situational substitutions, etc.
Quarterbacking has NEVER been better than it is now. NEVER EVEN CLOSE.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:20 AM PDT up reply actions
It's also never been easier
Compared to today, even back in the 90’s what you could do to receivers at the line and in the route would classify as assault and battery.
In the 70’s and early 80’s compared to today they were shanking receivers with rusty hacksaw blades.
What you are seeing is the drastic increase in the average performance level of offenses due to rule changes designed to increase the marketability of the game.
Pflbbbbbbtttttttttttt!!!!!
Common now to find guys weighing nearly 280 running 4.6 while benching 400 lbs… A handful of 300+ pounders running 4.8.
Putting it in perspective, there are QB’s who are BIGGER then Randy Cross, Fred Quillan, Jon Ayers, etc. An AVERAGE sized QB is now as big (or bigger) than most LB’s used to be.
Gimmee a break w/the 70’s and 80’s nonsense. The athletes today are FAR SUPERIOR.
The rules are such that, yes, STATS and SCORING are vastly elevated.
But the difficulty and skill involved (and needed) TO BE GREAT? It’s never been harder to be a QB. Never.
Why are other QB’s calling Aaron Rodgers the GOAT? Other QB’s FROM THE 70’s and 80’s… You don’t hear ANY OF THEM saying it USED TO BE HARDER to play QB than it is now. The “we called our own plays” nonsense is LONG SINCE GONE.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Of course not...
What’s your point?
That’s rhetorical, btw. I know your point, it’s just not a good one.
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions
lol...
Perhaps “niner niner niner”?
;-P
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by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I was on board with you 2 years ago
but the more games I watch after-the-fact, the more it becomes clear that only a handful are actually making great reads and truly understanding/attacking defensive weaknesses.
Take Josh Freeman for example. Looks like a really good QB, but so many of his passes are plays where he waits, gets off a late ball in which the receiver already has separation.
Or Stafford, most of his touchdown passes have been jump balls.
They’re calculated risks. Freeman holding onto it, Stafford throwing it up to receivers who are good at jump balls, bu they are not guys who are anticipating routes and throwing guys open. They are not guys finding the 2nd year back up corner on the field because the starter just limped off the field and audibling a hot route to abuse the crap out of him.
There QBs these days are far more athletic than ever, the rules favor the offense, but other than guys like Brees, Brady, P Manning, Rogers, I really see a lot of guys just taking calculated risks and hoping they pay off. I thought Vick was the ultimate representation of this ( he can take more risks with a higher payoff than any QB ever ), but watching Newton play now. He might be the protypical guy. Will he ever have to actually learn how to throw guys open or truly understand defenses? His career will be telling for the future of the position.
by whistlingmountain on Oct 3, 2011 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
"Or Stafford, most of his touchdown passes have been jump balls."
That comment alone makes any SANE person question anything else you happen to say.
And yeah, take Josh Freeman…
What qualifies you to ‘break down’ his performance and evaluate him like that?
You (and many others, not picking on you specifically) talk about what you SUSPECT is happening, not what you see. Your specific comment about throwing late… You see a handful of throws like that or have you been breaking down his game films since he came into the league? Do you know the ins and outs of the offense they run, their hots, automatics, protections, etc?
Did you play QB in college or beyond? Are you a HS head coach somewhere w/a sophisticated passing attack? A coach in college or beyond, somewhere that throws the ball from a spread or WCO?
Alex Smith is due a lot more consideration than he’s been given over the years. BUT SO ARE A LOT OF THESE OTHER GUYS.
As hard as you might think it is to play QB, it’s a ton harder than that.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
what qualifies you to reply with such haste?
That comment alone makes any SANE person question anything else you happen to say.
Go look at NFL rewind. You’re answering with anger for some reason, I speak only with watching the games. Stafford throws up a lot of jump balls. Not just in the end-zone…
There are very few QBs in the league that throw consistent timing routes and throw guys open. The league has facilitated receivers getting open by allowing them to run full speed through the middle of the field without fear. Heck, you watched the 49ers game, go watch, watch how wide open Vicks targets are. He’s a prime example. His passes are to wide open receivers. Something that was very rare pre-“the greatest show on turf” when Martz really opened up the game.
Quarterbacks have the luxury of finding wide open guys, they don’t need to make difficult reads or timing throws, so very few QBs develop it. Warner and Manning were amazing at them ( Rogers looks amazing as well ). Brady and Brees very very good. The others.. not so much.
Freeman is an example of a guy who throws to wide open guys by creating some extra time. It’s the Cunningham, the McNabb model. It’s unlikely to win a super bowl unless the defense is absolutely dominating because in the playoffs, the refs allow so much more contact.
Don’t know why you’re taking it so personally. It is what it is. On any given day a guy like Stafford could look amazing or ok. Watch the game tonight, count the number of timing throws where the ball comes out before the cut, and count the number of throws that are jump balls or late throws to already open receivers.
by whistlingmountain on Oct 3, 2011 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Relax :-D
I prefer to pepper a little internet sparring w/some attitude.
More fun for me, more interesting/provacative to read.
If I offended, I apologize.
Wait, no I don’t. Bite me…
As for the quick response? Dude, this is a “video game” to me. If it’s a bigger of your life, fine, but it’s not a big deal to ME.
As for something I love, QBing, well, there are many great ways to play QB.
Throwing guys open the way Rodgers, Brady, and Brees do it? Amazing. True QB/artists as Steve Young would say.
But don’t discount the greatness of Mike Vick simply because he does it differently. I always shake my head at how people say he’s “just getting good now”. He’s becoming a better PASSER now, but he TOOK THE MEDIOCRE FALCONS TO TWO NFC TITLE GAMES in 6 years.
Roethlisberger… Doesn’t read coverage as well as some guys, EXTENDS PLAYS and MAKES AWKWARD THROWS like nobody else. That play and throw he made to win the 2009 Super Bowl? Ridiculous.
Greatness takes many shapes and forms.
And as you watch the game, be aware that what LOOKS like a jump ball or late throw to the layperson, well, there just might be a little more to it than that.
I’m not guessing you’ve much personal experience w/QBing by the way, that’s based on assessing Stafford as a guy who “throws a lot of jump balls.” The ball to Johnson yesterday, yeah, the one INTO TRIPLE COVERAGE. That was a good decision and a very accurate throw.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
There is absolutely no way
You can sell that as anything but a jump ball. Of course he isn’t throwing that ball if it isn’t Megatron and he put it in the only place he could.
Doesn’t make it not a jump ball.
Also, don’t start spewing crap about people’s history QBing, until Joe or Steve sign up for the site it doesn’t hold much weight.
I don't have to sell anything...
:-)
A jump ball is a “jump ball”. A well-placed throw to Megatron is a… well-placed throw to Megatron.
And you don’t think that your lack of a history QBing doesn’t affect your ability to judge QBs?
Soooo… Can you analyze the finer points of SURGICAL TECHNIQUES as well? Who cares if you’re not a surgeon…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
“Beight” me?
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 4, 2011 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm sure some of the difference is the rule changes.
But I also think that you’re cherry-picking a little with that list, in the sense that Manning hasn’t played a snap this season, and Roethlisberger is being very pedestrian now that he’s not getting great protection. I don’t understand why Schaub is an example of great quarterbacking. (He’s not bad, but in what way is he having a better year than Alex Smith?)
There’s a lot of potential there, but there are questions about even the young guys – I don’t know about Stafford’s accuracy, since a lot of his game seems to be in throwing 50-50 balls which Calvin Johnson can pull down over the DBs. (I’m not saying that’s a bad strategy – it’s probably the right thing to do most of the time in that situation. But how would he do without a huge advantage in the WR-DB matchups?). Cam Newton has put up huge yardage numbers, but killed his team with picks and definitely racked up some garbage yardage against prevents. Flacco, who two years ago had everybody raving about what a rookie QB should be capable of, is completing under 50% of his passes this year.
You’ve got the elite core of Brady, Brees, Rodgers and Rivers. I agree absolutely that the average level of quarterbacking is much better than it was five or six years ago, but I don’t feel like there’s a ton of great QBs out there right now – some of the relative improvement is because I think the level of QB play hit a low point more so than that we’re at a peak now.
Suggestion
Obviously we disagree… I’d just strongly suggest evaluating a QB’s play NOT BASED SO MUCH ON THE CURRENT YEAR.
Look at what they’ve done over a longer stretch. Lots of ups and downs in a career… Romo, Rapistberger, Flacco, etc. These guys didn’t just forget how to play. Even Sanchez… I’d bet his year evens out down the road.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
your examples..
Romo is a “gunslinger” he gambles a-lot
Roethlisberger is an extend-the-play guy, he likes wide open receivers 4-6 second plays
Flacco is like Alex. They’re decent athletes, they can play well if they play within themselves.
Sanchez just.. doesn’t appear to be good. 35 TDs 38 Ints.. yea.. it’s even.. heck, even Smith is 53-43 if you don’t count that joke of a team in 2005.. And most 49er fans HATE Smith ( I don’t, though I don’t think he’s good enough to win 3 straight games against playoff caliber teams )
by whistlingmountain on Oct 3, 2011 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Romo, Roeth, Flacco, Sanchez...
All these guys WIN. They’ve ALL QB multiple teams into the playoffs.
How about start with that stat…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
wins
The problem with starting with calling players “winners” is that football is a team game. There is a context to victories and that is why wins is not a legitimate QB stat. Ken Dorsey won a ton of football games at Miami. Josh Heupel and Jason White won a ton of games at Oklahoma. That didn’t make them good NFL quarterbacks. it’s a team game from the players around to the systems used.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank You...
…for taking more stats OUT OF CONTEXT. Almost as if on cue…
How many wins do Ken Dorsey, Josh Heupel and Jason White have in the NFL?
Right. Exactly.
Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are CONSISTENT WINNERS in the NFL.
You take a STAT (“Winning” in this case), take it OUT OF CONTEXT (comparing College players to NFL players), attempt to prove a point to WIN your argument.
You’re not listening to my points. You’re not considering what I have to say…
After all I’ve done for you…
:-/
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
and
you’re not really considering what we have to say. Not a whole lot else to be said here.
by David Fucillo on Oct 3, 2011 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions
No, I am...
It’s just that you’re wrong.
:-)
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Take the last word, please...
I insist.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
In What Universe, BTW...
In what alternate universe is:
“Flacco is like Alex.”
Flacco’s record is better. His stats are better. He HAS a playoff record. He’s bigger. He’s faster. He has a stronger arm.
Alex? I have hope for Alex… Still.
He’s no Joe Flacco, though. Not yet. Not after 4 games. And Joe Flacco’s good, not great.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I have a ton of Baltimore fans
I know they will be the first to tell you how frustrating Flacco can be. In that respect Alex is similar (not so much this year). Flacco makes some bone-headed mistakes at times. Other than that, I’m not sure I agree with the comparison all that much either.
But once again, Flacco doesn’t have a record (unless he’s been arrested for something I don’t know about). Another fantastic defense and running game behind him…
ton of friends* that are Baltimore fans
Sheesh, I need to go to bed.
:-D
No worries. I was tracking… Sleep well!
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s awesome.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
him and Matt Ryan will are some the NFL's future star QBs
good class a few years ago
I’m one of the few, I think, who rate Flacco higher than Ryan.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
They’re both good, good young players though. It’s always fun to watch the new guard step in at QB in the league.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Flacco is garbage
I don’t understand the hype he gets. Living out here in NorVA I see most of their games, and he is not impressive. They have a stellar D and a good run game. Also most Ravens fans will let you know they are not big fans of his. Kind of like our fan base with Alex Smith. He was like 10-31 tonight, lol, and there isn’t many excuses for it.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
Flacco is VERY, VERY GOOD
The comment below me is EXTREMELY STUPID.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Arrrghh!!!!
I meant…
“The comment ABOVE ME…”
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:22 AM PDT up reply actions
+1
Thankfully it wasn’t snowing in Philly lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Oct 2, 2011 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
were you wearing an Eagles jersey?
its october (halloween) and all
So....how did Joe Staley and our center Goodwin do?
Anyone focus in on them…what did you notice?
LOL
…please explain that…
“analysis”…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Come on LT!!
I need to pad my 32 point lead in FF going into MNF with my opponent’s Vinateri as the kicker in NN#4
Mark Sanchez fumbled away the ball 3 times. Wow.
If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross
It’s hard to hold onto the ball with all that hot dog grease on his fingers.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Oct 2, 2011 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
chi-town dogs are da bomb though
screw NYC unless against the NFCW
This win reminds me of the 'niners in '80 under Walsh
Yeah, I said it… but I was at a lot of those games (my old man had season tix, great tailgating memories), and I remember watching the ‘niners go from unsure, to more confident, to pretty dangerous by the end of the year. I don’t recall the opponent, but there was a game late that season when they were down by a few scores at the half, then came back in the second half and won. I remember it because I’d never seen them do that before (my ‘niner memories start with the original Nolan, Monte Clark, etc.) and watching that game I could tell that the team was changing. My Dad (from whom I inherited my ’niner obesssion) was cheering his head off (the team and the beers…), and I recall the stadium going nuts, and trust me, we hadn’t seen much of that from the faithful the previous few years. After that game, it seemed like the team – and its fans – started to believe they could beat good teams, that they could come from behind, that playmakers on the team would step up when the team needed them. The next year, of course, they became the dominant ‘niners we all remember from the 80’s.
That’s how I felt watching the game today – like I was seeing a genuine change in the team’s attitude. I’m not saying this is a Super Bowl team – hardly – but I saw something different today. No quit. No panic. Just a sense that they could make something good happen. Not one of those second half drives today was a fluke – they were a combination of solid play calling and great execution, and by the third drive I realized that executing a game winning drive was not only possible, it actually seemed likely. Never felt that way last season, or the past several seasons, frankly. Too early to know for certain, but I’ve been watching this team for 44 of my 50 years, and I know what I saw today, and I think it was it was a team turning itself around. Hills and Valleys ahead, but I think today this team learned it can do great things. What a great thing to learn about yourself. Go ’niners.
by mwright84 on Oct 2, 2011 7:29 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Lots of old Niners like Clark were comparing this
To the seminal Niners comeback against the Saints under Walsh.
It does have the feeling of a watershed moment in Harbaugh’s tenure. Could be the turning point we all look back on where the franchise finally got its feet back.
Gotta love that niner D
They came up and made plays when they needed to. Great second half performance imagine having that the whole game. We can compete with anyone. Hunter and miller were solid contributors again and norris just lost his starting job to me. Also how did cully do? If i may ask i couldn’t watch the game hopefully they air it on nfl network.
by Zintzun22niner on Oct 2, 2011 7:30 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
They picked on Cully a bit
Seems they had him playing soft coverage, but he didn’t give up a big play per say.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
9ers made Sunday night highlights!
Harbaugh pissed his pants
Give Alex some love too... overcame 20 point lead
almost throw for 300 yards. His two T/D passes got them back into the game.
Gritty, never say die attitude saves the day..................
This was a game the Niner’s should have lost.
The Eagles crapped all over themselves and it cost them in the end. This team is still trying to gel, and I am sure these breakdowns would not have happened in week 12.
The team should’ve beat the Cowboys and should be 3-1.
The positive is the Oline probably looked the best it has all year.
The front 7 on defense is proving to be one of the best in the league.
Alex Smith is maturing before our eyes and maybe more than just a stop gap.
This team has a lot of room for improvement-especially on offense but is going in the right direction.
D train to Bensonhurst Brooklyn BABEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The positive is the Oline probably looked the best it has all year.
Against a pretty tough Eagles front four.
Hope it continues on like that. There were still a few breakdowns here and there but growing pains and all that..
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moving forward
At the end of the day I can live with that. I’d like monster strides week to week, but a win and showing some semblance of improvement is great. Just plain great.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Monster strides and perspective.
I would say beating a desperate Eagles team on the road is a pretty monstrous stride. The first half was not good but the second half was lights out.
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agree
The next step is putting it together wire to wire. That’s a big step so I can definitely live with it taking time. Most curious now to see how they carry over that second half performance to next week against TB. Harbaugh’s big thing is taking it play to play, quarter to quarter, game to game, etc. That’s the next big step.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Gotta be a big confidence booster doing that to arguably the most talented secondary in the NFL
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agree
You could say it’s now on the coaching staff to take that game plan and carry it over to next week. The players are showing an ability to implement certain schemes effectively at times. Can’t tighten up again to start next game.
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d really love to see 4 quarters played the way the last two were played for an entire game; preferably a few. I don’t care when this year, I just want to see it happen a couple of times. Total domination. And against a non-division opponent.
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Well coached teams get better as the season progresses
poorly coached teams stagnate or actually get worse as other teams solve them. This team seems to be getting a little better every week. Fooch, when you get a chance to see the game, you’ll see a lot of very notable improvements.
Second half team.
At least we know they’re better conditioned, if nothing else haha
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We should've, didn't, but are
The team should’ve beat the Cowboys and should be 3-1.
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
isnt that in the CFL?
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
CFL
Isn’t that a drop kick through the goal post?
by David Fucillo on Oct 2, 2011 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
the whole singles thing in
the cfl confuses me honestly
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
I'm not 100% certain about the player taking a knee beeing worth 1 point
but everything else i’m sure of
On the kickoff
If you kick it through the uprights it is a point.
Its called a rouge.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 2, 2011 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions
And you guys thought we were ugly
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
our win
it wasn’t pretty but this game makes it look like a 10
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
SNF
Are the Jets really this bad or are the Ravens this good?
I know they’re missing Mangold at C but they look like they’re completely falling apart
I'm starting to think there's no team in the NFL
that we cannot beat! Not that we will beat everyone, but that no game is not out of reach (with a little bit of luck here and there)
There's gotta be a ton of people who bet on this game that are drowning their sorrows with buckets of alcohol tonight
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...And a few niners fans celebrating with buckets of alcohol tonight.
For California, for California,
The hills send back the cry, we're out to do or die...
by WeHaveCrabsAndVD on Oct 2, 2011 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
hahahahahahahahhahah
this game is insance
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Game Replay
Dont know if its been posted. Niners Eagles Tuesday 930 eastern 630 pacific
by WetNoodle on Oct 2, 2011 7:51 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
playing against Baltimore D in fantasy & Sanchez alone is killing me
55pts of this slob throwing pick 6 or fumbles for a 6…smh
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Oct 2, 2011 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions
LOLLLLLLL
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
"Stopping the run doesn't come because of scheme. It come because of want to." - Donte Whitner
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
[sigh]
When is Alex’s enshrinement?
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:26 AM PDT up reply actions
If the game was only 30 minutes long.....but it isn't.....it's 60, and the Eagles got what they deserved.
Smith was afraid to throw it at Nnamdi.
Drops, drops and more drops…..last year, it was tipped balls that ended up getting picked.
Other than the INT in the Dallas game, I really haven’t seen a pickable ball….all season. The long ball to Crabs that he couldn’t come down could have been I guess, but not like the one that Reggie Smith dropped. Hit him in the chest.
Your choice, right now...Alex Smith or Mark Sanchez or Joe Flacco?
to Q.B. the 9ers.
Def not Sanchez
he’s a fraud, imho. Hard to choose between Flacco and Smith… but I’ll go with Smith if only protect today’s good karma…
You Guys Are RIDICULOUS...
As if it’s a HARD choice…
Flacco.
That took about .02 seconds to figure out.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Not sure if this was pointed out in an earlier thread
But I’m going to point it out anyway:
I’m pretty sure this is the first point in Alex Smith’s career that he sits with more career TD passes than interceptions. 55 to 54!
by Weltall on Oct 2, 2011 7:55 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
that hasn't been pointed out
and that is a great marker as a turning point!
Yes, I echo that
thank you Smith for giving us the best bright spot of your career for 7 seasons! Thank you for all the success you’ve brought the franchise, thank you for no longer giving me the license (for now) to accuse you of being a longtime QB with more interceptions than TDs! Thank you for impressing us so much with your out-of-pocket mobility in pre-draft workouts that convinced us you were a better prospect than Aaron Rodgers! Oh, thank you AS!
Are you standing on a ledge as you type this? May I suggest a hint of happiness. Sorry Alex ruined your life.
by mcwagner on Oct 2, 2011 10:08 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
one doesn't stand on the ledge
and use exclamation marks…just in front of the computer and chuckled at the idea of congratulating a former no. 1 pick on, for the first time, having more TD passes than INTs. So I had fun with it.
Stat rec'd!
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the biggest change this game will bring about
Is that the team is beginning to learn how to win.
I know that sounds like hogwash, but I think it’s true. It’s the dividing line between young teams on the cusp versus good teams. It’s what the Lions went through last year. You could tell they were just one hump away from being a good team; they were competitive against elite teams but could never close the deal. Then they won 4 straight games to end the season and you thought “Hmm, maybe they’ve changed.” Now they’re pulling off improbable comeback after comeback and are the talk of the league.
The Niners have spent years snatching defeat out of victory in too many games to count. The Favre game, Atlanta last year, the home games against the Saints and Eagles, failing to beat Carolina on the road, close losses to the Colts and Texans on the road, even the Cowboys two weeks ago.
This team could just never finish a team off, hold a lead for 4 quarters, or mount a game winning comeback. They did all of that today against a good team on the road on the East Coast. They’re learning that they can do these things, their attitude is going from “Oh no, not again” to “We can do this.” I think Harbaugh has righted the ship and the players are buying into his plan.
by Gitaroo_Dude on Oct 2, 2011 7:56 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Whos performance shocked you the most today??
Aldon Smith’s 1.5 (2.5 if not for a penalty) sacks stood out to me, along with a bunch of pressures
goldson just getting on the ball and staying down
honestly sticks out to me the most haha
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Mmmmmm
Aldon Smith turned into beast mode in the 2nd half. Alex shocked me a little. Typically he loses his momentum after a few good drives but he kept it going the 2nd half. The play I think that really turned in the win was the toss to Hunter on 3rd and 7 were the 49ers caught Babin selling out on the pass than turned the corner on the defense, it was a great play call. 2nd to me screaming they need to run the ball and Frank broke off a 20 yard gain to start the drive.
J.Smith catching a speedy receiver from behind!
Still can’t get over that play.
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
hey now keep it in your pants
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Oct 2, 2011 9:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
4th game of season and two Smiths turn the corner
Aldon and Alex both came into their own.
Now if they can continue it , I expect them to get better and better .
You got to be exited from what you saw from those guys and no surprise from what stud Justin Smith did and does every game.
if every game 3 out of 4 smiths do well
we should be in for a good season
25% in the books. Certainly a nice start but we still have 3 quarters left
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Exactly... LOTS of Season left.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Great job!
Very proud of the team today :)
by 49erfannm on Oct 2, 2011 8:12 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I was always proud of how classy the 49ers seem to be
Lots of classy players who don’t throw teammates under the bus, despite the constant losing.
Have there been a lot of fights in games? Can’t remember very much. Watching these Ravens and Jets fight so often makes them look grody.
True
Although I do find it entertaining watching those other teams do that sometimes. Definitely don’t like to see it with the Niners though. Can’t stand stupid penalties.
I'm not feeling witty enough right now
Stay Classy, 49ers!
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:30 AM PDT up reply actions
I predicted a GB vs Baltimore Superbowl at the beginning of the year.
So far, I am looking like I will at least be close.
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Not after we ruin their record at the Thanksgiving Harbowl
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions
a high scoring
defensive game… interesting haha
Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of soccer.
Anyone missing Franklin-Lawson-Spikes-Clements-Mays or Bass?
Well, possibly we miss Baas a little.
Nah, not really.
I like this team and the way they are progressing.
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Definately miss Spikes
But Bowman is definately playing well; just miss Spikes for his veteran presence … and his neck, of course.
I was hopeful we’d keep Baas, but don’t blame him for following the money or our front office for not getting in a bidding war for him. Haven’t heard how he’s doing, anyone else?
Definitely wanted Lawson to stay, but looks like we’re doing well at outside linebacker on both sides as well.
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
What did they say? Not watching the game
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Basically Ravens are up, and Jack Harbaugh's watching from the box
Al Michaels: “What a day for the Harbaugh family, and Father Jack. Son John is up big, and I’m sure he got a great phone call from Son Jim.”
“49ers came back today after being down by a ton to beat the Eagles today. 49ers are now 3-1 with a 2 game lead over everyone in the NFC West.”
“And that one less was against the Dallas Cowboys in overtime in a wild wild game.”
Some national mention, even if in the context of John Harbaugh.
Ah, good... Al Michaels remembers the glory years, that's why.
He’ll still give the Niners love sometimes.
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He also called the SF Giants...
For years and years at the ’Stick before he was hired by ABC to do the Olympics and then Monday Night Football.
Said Singletary called coach and told him they ain't going nowhere...
cause team did not practice the “nutcraker drill” and Coach Harbaugh never needs to" look at the film" before giving answers to the press questions
LOL
Harbaugh never ANSWERS the media’s questions…
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I swear i saw Bob St. Clair at an olive festival.
couldnt remember his name for the life of me.
Demarcus Dobbs is Our Future
I saw him at the Olive Garden...
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Saw him at Jamba Juice
Having a smoothy with Elvis, Jimmy Hoffa, and Alolph H.
No boost.
Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young
by OffensiveInterference on Oct 3, 2011 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Hunter
Great game by the rookie, has he supplanted Dixon as the number 2 back? Did he see any action in the Eagle game?
special teams
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Oct 2, 2011 9:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Is it a coincidence that
I watched the 49ers wildcard comeback win over the Giants last night? Is it a coincidence that I slept in my authentic Jerry Rice jersey last night? I THINK NOT.
You’re welcome.
I think
I will pick a different classic Niner game each night and wear my jersey to bed.
by mr. instigator on Oct 2, 2011 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't believe some Eagles fans are calling for Andy Reid to be fired.
Why would you want one of the best head coaches in the league fired? And they didn’t lose because of coaching mistakes either. Makes absolutely no sense. Some fans are really ungrateful for what they have and it’s pretty idiotic.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Oct 2, 2011 10:11 PM PDT reply actions
Can't wait for Bray Bray to get back.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Oct 2, 2011 10:25 PM PDT reply actions
Please...
…don’t ever call him “Bray Bray” again.
I have many leather-bound books.
by I'm Friends With Merlin Olsen on Oct 3, 2011 2:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Did anyone see how cully played?
I wanna know if we got something there with him. He was an exciting draft pick.
by Zintzun22niner on Oct 2, 2011 10:52 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Harbs
I think we got us a coach now guys. Things are lookin up!
can we draft another Ronnie Lott already?
We are 3 and 1
We have two ugly wins, a close loss in overtime, and a comeback.
Now we need to go into a game and just throw down on a team for 60 minutes and leave no doubt whatsoever who was the better team.
by Ougadas on Oct 2, 2011 11:36 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
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