49ers Prediction To Opposing Running Backs? PAIN

by David Fucillo on Oct 31, 2011 1:47 PM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

In yesterday's 20-10 defeat, the Cleveland Browns lost running back Montario Hardesty to a calf strain early in the first quarter. Earlier today it was revealed that Hardesty could miss some time with a partial tear of his calf muscle.

For those not keeping track, Hardesty is now the fourth running back to suffer some kind of injury against the 49ers defense. He joins Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount and Jahvid Best as running backs who have suffered some kind of injury during their matchup with the 49ers. Jones bounced back to play the next week, but the other backs have all missed extended time with injury.

I am not hear to glorify the 49ers causing moderately serious injuries to opposing running backs. However, it does raise some interesting questions about the oft-mentioned physicality of the 49ers. Aside from their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and maybe even the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers do in fact seem to get involved in a lot of "bar fight"-style games.

Some folks have raised questions about whether this physicality could wear down the 49ers in November and December. At times I have wondered this myself, but I also consider the ability of the defense to get off the field fairly quickly in many instances. They give up their share of long time-consuming drives, but they also seem to do a good job of getting off the field fairly quickly. Is there concern about the 49ers wearing down a bit late in the season due to their physicality?

Prediction? Pain.

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It's sad about Best

As it’s starting to look like these concussions are going be a chronic thing for him if he keeps playing. Bay area native and he seems like a good dude. Everybody remembers the really gruesome injury he suffered at the end of ‘09 but I remember a game early in the ’08 season against Maryland where he got blown up and puked green gatorade on the field. I think he’s had at least 4-5 concussions since then. Protect your brain Jahvid.

by AptosNinerFan on Oct 31, 2011 1:59 PM PDT reply actions

green gatorade puke

I remember that. You’re right, he does seem like a decent dude, but it seems like medically, the NFL just isn’t where his future should be; too bad, good talent, exciting kid, but some things are more important.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Oct 31, 2011 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Vallejo representing

Local kid from Vallejo I’m really rooting for him not against us but wish him the best

by 49ersfan4life on Oct 31, 2011 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm afraid of Smith and McDonald being worn down

Ray McDonald might be the first casualty. As Fangio said, they play a much larger percentage of snaps than most DEs. They are taking a huge beating every week. I want to believe they are bionic, but at some point the strain might get to them.

by reedkrase on Oct 31, 2011 2:02 PM PDT reply actions

They ARE exceptional

But I agree with your point, and I think one of our priorities in the next draft should be a NT or a DE (it’s a fairly deep draft for both) badass to work into the rotation with them.

I also look for Aldon to play a bigger role as the season goes on, especially as we seem to be running a LOT of our nickel package.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Oct 31, 2011 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Eh

I think some of these injuries were coincidence/bad luck/bad health. Blount was injured on a long run when one of our safeties tackled his legs and hurt his knee, not because we were extremely physical or something. Best actually only displayed concussion symptoms AFTER the Niners/Lions game. And Best has a history of concussion problems. Jones is injury prone.

If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross

by doubleteapot on Oct 31, 2011 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

It was a pretty nasty Goldson hit that went right into Blount's knee though that did it.

LeGarrett actually did a front flip on the hit. Sounds like extreme physicality did play a part to me.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

It's like the Madden Curse....

by ericalancanty on Oct 31, 2011 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

lol

The Madden Curse should have its own motto:

“Do you have what it takes to stay healthy?”

Only Larry Fitz has somehow managed to dodge the Madden Curse.

by Kubes069 on Oct 31, 2011 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

His has just drug along instead of being 1 horrible year

Shortly after being on the cover of Madden, Warner retired and Larry has had to deal with Brady Anderson and Kevin Kolb.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions

after this year

I’m wondering if Fitz was going to pull a palmer and demand to be traded

by reedkrase on Oct 31, 2011 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

His contract is too huge. I was thinking about that a couple weeks ago

He’s got that 100M dollar deal. Unfortunately for him its not like he’s meeting any of the performance incentives with Kolb throwing him the ball… and nobody can afford to ship players for a guy that could stand to earn that much money… Except maybe the Titans dealing Chris Johnson or the Vikings dealing AP (yah right)

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe someone could find a stat on..

An interesting stat that this post brought to my mind would be actual time on the field the defense has played in each game.

I’m curious now to see how many minutes, or hours, that the 49ers defense has been on the field for. I’m also curious what the offensive time of possession would be.

If we had some real numbers to look at we could probably determine if the defense is getting worn down over the course of the season compared to other teams.

It would be interesting to see how long each teams defense is on the field. I wonder if there are some type of stats that would correlate with this type of thing?

by Kubes069 on Oct 31, 2011 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

For us

(Snaps with player on field / total defensive snaps) * (60.0 – offensive time of possession). To extrapolate over 7 games, substitute [snaps with player on field] with (Average player snaps on field total) and [total defensive snaps total], and find the average offensive time of possession.

Step two is go to each SB nation blog and have one of their stats nerds do the same.

And boom goes the dynamite, stats ahoy

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Oct 31, 2011 3:53 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

You can find that info for the Niners at 49ers.com

The Niners average Time of possession this year, 31:22. Their opponents TOP, 29:02. So the defense has been on the field an average of 29 minutes over 7 games. There was that OT period skewing things a bit, but they’ve basically been on the field about half the time.

49ers- Imposing Their Will, One Game at a Time.

by whatsURdeal on Nov 1, 2011 1:46 AM PDT up reply actions

4th quarter stats for RBs opposing 49ers

Lynch, Seahawks: 0 carries, 0 receptions. Game total: 13 carries for 33 yards, 2 receptions for 12 yards.

Jones, Cowboys: 1 carry for 4 yards, 0 receptions. Game total: 9 carries for 25 yards, 1 reception for 4 yards.

Benson, Bengals: 4 carries for 16 yards, 0 receptions. Game total: 17 carries for 64 yards.

McCoy, Eagles: 1 carry for 1 yard, 1 reception for 15 yards. Game total: 9 carries for 18 yards, 6 receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Blount, Buccaneers: 0 carries, 0 receptions. Game total: 10 carries for 34 yards, 2 receptions for 31 yards.

Best, Lions: 1 carry for minus-1 yard, 0 receptions. Game total: 12 carries for 37 yards, 6 receptions for 73 yards.

Hardesty, Browns: 0 carries, 0 receptions. Game total: 2 carries for 6 yards, 0 receptions for 0 yards.

by reedkrase on Oct 31, 2011 2:13 PM PDT reply actions

That’s pretty amazing.

by LuvDubs on Oct 31, 2011 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

it’s become a theme, the RB that starts in the 1st quarter will not be around by the 4th quarter.

by reedkrase on Oct 31, 2011 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

teams pass the ball when they are down in the 4th quarter

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Oct 31, 2011 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

preseason count?

I recollect Arian Foster getting hurt due to a Patrick Willis tackle

by MochabearDubs9ers on Oct 31, 2011 2:20 PM PDT via iPhone app reply actions

I remember this too

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

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by SportsChicken on Oct 31, 2011 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions

How about QB's, i.e. Romo busted ribs?

His season was over after facing 49ers.

by scrappydog on Oct 31, 2011 2:25 PM PDT reply actions

N haselbeck ribs from 52 last year

by mrb24 on Oct 31, 2011 7:51 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

preseason?

didn’t we take out Camble for a few weeks after we played the Raiders?>

by 49ersfan4life on Oct 31, 2011 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I was actually talking to my roommate about this earlier

Aside from the chance to unseat home-field advantage from the Packers and Pats… If we are 9-1 going into the Thanksgiving game there is every reason to actually give the starters a week off against the Ravens for Thanksgiving and play the backups before cleaning out the rest of the NFL’s soft underbelly (aka NFC West).

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:31 PM PDT reply actions

theres no way harbs rests starters that early.

that game is a chance for the 9ers to make a statement, and hes guna wana beat his bro. haha

by Azemika15 on Oct 31, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Was about to say the same thing, I’m sure itburnz was speaking from a hypothetical what we could and maybe should do standpoint then why actually has any realistic chance of happening.

by AHR on Oct 31, 2011 2:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

True... But I think that and the Steelers games are the biggest threat of injury to our players

We NEED to be playing well going into the playoffs, (still can’t believe I’m talking about playoffs being a foregone conclusion at the end of week 8), so we have to have them going in weeks 16 and 17. We won’t sit them against the Ravens because its Jim vs John… But aside from that it would be a great time to get our starters some more rest.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe if they keep playing like S#*! like they have been

We’ll be able to rest them in the 2nd half.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions

no way Harbugh lets the rest

He wants them maintaining the “going to work” blue collar mentality. MAYBE he will rest SOME of the starters in the last 2 weeks of the season. Pats have nothing to do with our home field advantage issue. We are currently competing with Packers and Saints for that. And we are looking better now as at least a 2 seed thanks to St Louis.

I do not really know if Harbuagh ever rested Luck much in blowouts, etc, but I doubt it…

by D.P on Oct 31, 2011 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Good point.

Wasn’t thinking about the SB location always being set. Duh – brain fart

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Just don't wanna play in the friggin cold

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe

Thats why they backed off in the second half with the Browns, the Browns could not score.Why keep pushing, it was already a win.

by gee man on Oct 31, 2011 2:39 PM PDT reply actions

New Fantasy Football Strategy

Trade away any running backs that face the 49ers the next week for whoever you can get for them. They are going to be useless for a couple weeks anyway.

"It's tough. Everyone's geared up for the run and they hit you with that."
--Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson on 49ers throwing a pass to Isaac Sopoaga late in the game to pick up a crucial first down.

The Dallas Cowboys are the NFL's greatest underachievers.

by Pat Willie on Oct 31, 2011 2:46 PM PDT reply actions

Lol had a similar idea

Pick up whatever available defense is playing the Browns, Seahawks, Jags, Colts, Rams or Dolphins.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Rotate defenses every week

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow...

The bottom of the NFL barrel is particularly horrible on offense this year. I still don’t think any of those teams are as bad as the 94-95 and 95-96 Niners… But man… As a group they friggin STINK.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Oct 31, 2011 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha ya when I first read this I had an imaginary roto-wire update in my head, “X back may be in for a tough week against the 9er’s D who have injured 4 out of the 7 starting backs they’ve faced, at this point it becoming a trend and we recommend handcuffing any backs you have thy will face them”

by AHR on Oct 31, 2011 3:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

lol tru that I will not start a RB against the niners…hehe

by 49ersfan4life on Oct 31, 2011 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Didn't they also injur Lynch in the opener?

I thought he got knocked from the game with a minor injury. I know that McCoy was knocked out for a few plays in the Philly game when he had to help block McDonald on a pass play that saved Vick from being sacked.

- Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Oct 31, 2011 3:02 PM PDT reply actions

Happy Halloween, all you wild mofos

"The past is the past. The only time I look into the rear view is for the cops and I don't speed." -Shawn Andrews

by TryAndCatchVD on Oct 31, 2011 4:00 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

am I worried our d-might tire out

by season’s end for being too physical? Not at all. Provided we get a 1st round bye, I think we’ll be ok.
Why? Because we’ve still got Ian Williams, Dobbs, RJF who are quite fresh and ready to deliver the same amount of pain as our starters…

by Doni S on Oct 31, 2011 4:02 PM PDT via iPhone app reply actions

Doni

I feel like you’re always pushing our Next Man Up motto and praising the backups. I couldn’t agree more. I feel like Harbaugh has the whole team ready to play lights out football. I respect and support your enthusiasm good sir!!

Who's got it better than us?! NOBODY!!!

by CraigRED&GOLD on Oct 31, 2011 4:06 PM PDT reply actions

I think Navorro Bowman should start sporting a Mr. T hair do.

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The Hometown Fan

by Drew Kerr on Oct 31, 2011 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

I don't think this is a concern at all...

The Steelers ALWAYS play extremely physical, and they seem to do just fine at getting to the Super Bowl…

by Takeo33 on Oct 31, 2011 6:38 PM PDT reply actions

It is very plausible that I am misremembering something, BUT

Benson also suffered an injury during the 49ers game, correct?

Like I said, I could very easily be wrong, and I am definitely not trying to correct anyone’s. I am honestly the last person who should be attempting to correct anyone’s memory, but I could have sworn that Cedric Benson either aggrivated a previous injury or actually sustained an injury due to a hit by one of the 9ers Bash Brother Beasts.

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Oct 31, 2011 10:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

I said it before

All opposing rb’s either fear us or learn to fear us… And opposing coaches learn quik to stop running on us after halftime they learn that its not worth it to lose a rb for a few games by sending them out there. I’m just glad our secondary are stepping up and making plays this year. Now lets get this passing game hitting on all cylinders and we will take out green bay in nfc championship game. Niners got themselves quite a team this year and i’m not worried about our defense being sluggish in the later part of the year, Dobbs, and RJF are hungry for play time and these individuals can make plays. I hope fangio can work them in the line up well enough by playoffs….. YES I SAID PLAYOFFS!!! I’m excited and can’t wait to watch my team grow on sundays…

by Zintzun22niner on Nov 1, 2011 12:44 AM PDT via mobile reply actions