2011 NFL Playoffs: Packers, Saints, 49ers Lead Top-Heavy NFC
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 9:01 AM PST
in 49ers Opponents
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PrintNow that the 49ers have officially clinched a berth in the NFL playoffs (get your playoff gear!), I feel a lot less guilty talking about playoff positioning and potential 49ers opponents. Until yesterday, I didn't mind writing about it, but there were still minor moments of doubt. After the Braves and Red Sox blew their playoff chances in September, anything was possible.
But now, the 49ers are in the playoffs and the remaining four weeks of the NFL schedule will have a big impact on when they play and where they play. The 49ers currently have the second best record in the NFL sitting behind the undefeated Green Bay Packers and one game ahead of the New Orleans Saints.
Although the NFC will provide its usual contingent of six playoff teams, it strikes me as a particularly top-heavy conference this year. The Packers are the clear-cut favorites, with the 49ers and Saints behind them and the Cowboys, Falcons, Giants and Lions another notch down. I know the Cowboys beat the 49ers, but given how the 49ers have developed since that loss, I think they win that game in a postseason rematch.
The Packers remain undefeated after narrowly escaping with a road victory against the New York Giants. The occasionally questionable Packers defense was on hand and Green Bay had to go all the way down to the wire to defeat the Giants 38-35.
The 49ers are playing some great defense, but the Packers offense would be a stiff challenge. The 49ers defensive strength is against the run, but the Packers don't really care all that much about the run. They will run the ball during the game, but I think it sometimes feels more like they do it because they need to at least pretend to keep defenses honest. Of course, seeing as defenses generally cannot consistently stop Aaron Rodgers, I suppose it really doesn't matter what happens with the run game.
Sunday night saw the Saints handle their business against the Detroit Lions, winning 31-17. The Saints benefited from numerous Detroit penalties, but even still, New Orleans remains incredibly tough in the Superdome. That makes it all the more important for the 49ers to earn that first round bye. The 49ers can hang in most games, but beating New Orleans on the road would be a tall order. Beating New Orleans in San Francisco? That is a much different story.
We are entering the final quarter of the 2011 NFL season. The 49ers have a one-game lead on the Saints, but more importantly, they hold a two-game edge in the conference record tie-breaker. Since the 49ers and Saints don't face each other, conference record would be the next tiebreaker (assuming it was just the two of them breaking the tie). The 49ers are 8-1 in conference and the Saints are 6-3. If Saints won out and the 49ers were to lose to the Steelers but win the rest of their games, San Francisco would win the tiebreaker.
On the other hand, I see no reason to think the Packers will lose two of their final four games. Crazy things happen week to week, but they are rolling. They stubbed their toe against the New York Giants, but given that it was on the road, that might have been their toughest remaining game.
With the Cowboys losing to Arizona (gotta love it!), the 49ers, Packers and Saints are looking like the top three seeds in some order. For now, here are the remaining schedules for all three teams:
49ers
@ Arizona
vs. Pittsburgh
@ Seattle
@ St. Louis
Saints
@ Tennessee
@ Minnesota
vs. Atlanta
vs. Carolina
Packers
vs. Oakland
@ Kansas City
vs. Chicago
vs. Detroit
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I know the coaches say it's still week to week
But they should put some time in every week to planning for the Saints
I'd be OK with that
But only after we beat the Steelers because of how key that game is to keep our #2 seeding.
not completely necessary, or necessarily worthwhile
They need to prepare for their opponents each week and clinch that 2 seed.
If they have the 2 seed then they have 1 week for general preparation on their likely opponents ( there are 3 potential opponents for the #2 seed in the divisional round ), and then another week to prepare for the specific opponent after the games are played.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 5, 2011 9:53 AM PST up reply actions
not enough time in the week,
and its pointless going over anything with the team about the Saints when they ain’t gonna play for maybe 6 weeks.
exactly
plus, with a bye, they’d have some time to anticipate the matchup against them or a wild card team, assuming the Saints win their wild card round game. If the Saints were to lose that game, then we’d still have a game against the Cowboys, Giants, Lions (all who we’ve played) or the Falcons (the only other team to “fear”), Bears (not likely with the way they’re going)
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by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 5, 2011 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
Ummmm nope , they need to change Not a thing , just start dialing in the Offense ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!
@Seattle
Is everyone forgetting how tough it is to play in that ridiculous stadium? Seattle is no picnic (ask Baltimore) and we should not be overlooking that game. Seattle is not as horrendous a team as people think they are. They’ve been bad at times but they have lost some close games as well. The other division games are on the road as well so we definitely have to continue playing at a high level to keep the number 2 seed.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
agreed on paper Seattle & Pittsburgh are the crucial games..
But the fact that 49ers have 3 division games all on the road makes me reserve judgement with “bad blood” amongst all of them. So in the end ALL 4 games are important
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
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by Kidd2Petrovic on Dec 5, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
every game is tough
49ers have done a great job getting up to at least a good minimum level this year. Better than the Ravens, Giants, Cowboys, etc have.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 5, 2011 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
A Brief Comment on the Cowboys
David – you don’t have to rationalize the claim that the Niners are better than the Cowboys. As you say later in the article – anything can happen any week and the blown coverage in overtime against Dallas is a prime example. Niners are the better team both statistically and by record. The reason home field is so important, in fact, is because anything can happen any week…and it’s more likely to happen in your favor if you’re playing at home.
Also, and this might not be the place for it…but I was driving and listening to the radio yesterday and heard that Forte of the Bears had gotten hurt. My first thought was “What if Willis gets hurt?” and my second thought was “Who’s our back up middle linebacker?”. Wish cars had wood to knock on (Sorry Patrick). Hopefully Willis recovers quickly and I just wanted to drop a big shout out to Mr. Grant who stepped in admirably as a replacement. Defense didn’t miss a beat which really points to how dominant that D-line is. Backers just need to sweep up the crumbs.
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Go Niners!!!!
Pablo's not fat. He's just got body.
Ditto to Larry Grant
Man, did he pull through for us when we needed him after Willis got injured. We’re so lucky to have such solid backups.
Win or lose, at the end of the day I'm just happy to see the Niners play well... Okay, winning is good. I prefer winning.
"Yeah, I do get emotional. It fires me up. It fires me up a lot. I'm not going to apologize for that. If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it." ~ Jim Harbaugh
Willis not as important to the 49ers, who are playing great team defense
as Forte was to the Bears, without Cutler.
Not sure if the 49ers have one injury that would really be devastating. QB is generally the worst. Goodwin going down would probably be pretty bad, move Snyder to C and Rachal comes in.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 5, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed -- Niners are in pretty good shape when it comes to coping with injuries
They’re a lot more well-rounded of a team, with players who can step up into multiple roles.
First thing I thought of when Forte got injured was, “the Bears are toast.” Cutler gone, and now Forte, too bad for them. They looked like they were finally getting their groove.
Win or lose, at the end of the day I'm just happy to see the Niners play well... Okay, winning is good. I prefer winning.
"Yeah, I do get emotional. It fires me up. It fires me up a lot. I'm not going to apologize for that. If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it." ~ Jim Harbaugh
-10
Willis might not be misses as much against the run where the Dline is killing fools but it’s in pass coverage that Willis really separates himself from other linebackers. He’s been great in coverage breaking up passes and holding Te’s and RB’s to short gains against his zone.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
I don't think the Pack are clear cut favorites...
They will get all they hype cause they have no losses, but NO is right there with them, and obviously, they are beatable. I wouldn’t bet against Rodgers at this point, but NO is a good match up for them.
Oh, and the Cowboys suck…
As in the regular season, the niners will have to come and play well in the postseason, no matter who their opponent.
they're 12-0 and won 11 games by double digits, and will have home field, and have the best QB in the league
they’re clear cut favorites.
doesn’t guarantee them anything, bu they’re clear cut favorites.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 5, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
Yes I'd bet on him,
but I guess what I was trying to say is they aren’t this invincible machine. When A Rodge is being A Rodge and doesn’t make mistakes, it is very difficult to beat him. Even 35 pts and a 4th Qtr comeback couldn’t get it done on Sunday.
invincible vs. clear cut favorites
Being the clear favorite is very different from being invincible.
New Orleans could be a good matchup for them, but the Saints have struggled on the road. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Lambeau Field and that makes them the clear favorites. Not a lock, or invincible, or whatever. Simply the clear favorites.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:31 AM PST up reply actions
I know this is nitpicking but
didnt they beat the Bucs by 9?
Not true...
They have not won 11 games by double digits. Only 7 by 10 or more. New Orleans by 8, Carolina and SD by 7, MN by 6 and Giants by 3. Packers are rolling for sure, but it is not like they have consistently blown people out. Their biggest blowout was 45-7 at home over MN; and Denver 49-23. The 49ers did 48-3 over Tampa. The 49ers could win over the Packers if they can contain the passing game. Rodgers can go nuts to the 20, but if the 49ers D goes stingy, then the 49ers could actually do well. We will see.
Keep going forward and shoot for the 2 seed. Anything can happen in one game…
gb vs no
to me is basically a toss up with a slight gb advantage. those two teams are so similar i think either one could pull off the victory. I would say NO is more of a well rounded team in terms of offense (but i haven’t actually looked at the numbers).
I think the 49ers are the best suited team in the nfc to go to lambeau (sp) and pull of an upset. I don’t think we have a snow ball’s chance in hell to go to gb and win a shootout against aaron rodgers; however, if we manage the clock well and play to the strengths of our team and the weaknesses of gb Im actually pretty optimistic about the outcome.
to beat gb you need to keep their offense off the field as much as possible: cue frank gore, bruce miller, soap, boone, and kendall hunter… please omit chilo.
on defense i think we play them the same way as we did ny, don’t blitz too much and don’t put too much pressure on the secondary and hope goldson and whitner make some magic happen at the safety position. another key to winning would be to not allow gb to run especially from the qb position. rodgers extends many drives with his legs. the only way i see the blitz paying of for us is if we really hammer him, otherwise were giving him easier throws with fewer dropping back into coverage.
agreed
I think red zone defense is what determines the outcome of this (hypothetical) game. in that prediction im giving the pack one td from way out and getting 4 fgs on 4 trips to the redzone… maybe I should give that qb guy a little more credit.
I also give the niners 3 fg and 2 tds with one of the touchdowns coming from defense or special teams.
How great would it be for alex if he beat rodgers in the nfc championship game?
imagine
what kind of savage beast would turn into under that kind of spotlight…. justin smith might rip off an afc qb’s arm and beat him into submission with it. sounds terrifying
My vote is another shot at Flacco
This time with plenty of time to prepare…
They have not and will not go against any of the top 5 defensive teams this year
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 273.8
2. Houston Texans 274.1
3. Baltimore Ravens 287.3
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 292.5
5. San Francisco 49ers 303.4
Founder of team Omté Caspeen
Just to play devil's advocate
The Bears and Lions are both top 5 in advanced metric defense.
Also, the 49ers have only played 1 of the top 5 yardage offenses, the Eagles, when Vick was healthy and they scorched the 49ers yardage wise. ( playing devil’s advocate, I’ve said many times I didn’t think the defense “came together” in nickel until Culliver, Aldon Smith, Goldson and Whitner were all on the field )
I think it had reached the point that it’s probably unrealistic to expect the 49ers to hold the Packers under 25 if the conditions aren’t awful more than maybe 1 in 10 games.
It’s too bad the 49ers don’t play a cold weather game in week 17, would have been a nice warm-up for a potential freezing playoff game. They’re not likely to play a cold game this year.
by whistlingmountain on Dec 5, 2011 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
New Orleans defense is horrble...
ranked 25th in the NFL. They are the most lopsided team in the NFL.
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problem is these teams don't need a great defense
to possibly lock up the niners offense…and both the Saints and Pats are favorites to go deep in the post season, while, rightfully so, the niners are not.
49ers vs. Saints
I think there is a somewhat notable difference between the Saints at home and the Saints on the road.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:32 AM PST up reply actions
Exactly
That’s why I think the Saints are not quite at the level of the Packers as you mentioned above. The weather might not be a factor in San Francisco, but I’d bet good money it will be a factor if the Saints have to play in Green Bay.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:35 AM PST up reply actions
The Saints aren't even on the 49ers level...
Packers and the 49ers are the two best teams in the NFL. The only thing that matters is winning the game and those two teams have been pretty darn good. The 49ers are 13 points away from being undefeated as well. I really don’t know how some people still manage to talk trash.
They are having one of the better seasons in franchise history. And should go deep in to the playoffs, if not all the way.
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Oh come on
The Saints are a very good football team. Yes their defense is questionable, but with that offense it can make up for it.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
While his position may be a bit on the edge
I think the point is that elite defense beats elite offense. I know it’s a cliche but it still holds true that offense wins games, defense wins championships. The Saints are not some one dimensional team that throws the ball every play. They actually have great balance and the running game is a key part of their play action pass attack. Killing the run game and forcing them into 3rd and long consistently is the way to beat them and the Packers for that matter.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
yes, but the offense needs
to be somewhat competent…it can’t have a brain fart on the O Line and AS can’t become tentative with getting the ball out and making good reads and taking some chances to avoid a sack w/o throwing a pick…I’m comfortable with the niners D matching up with anybody, I just am unsure if teh offense will do the D much favors in those games.
Yes but..
We are talking about the Saints and Packers D not the really good Defenses like the Ravens. The packers and Saints don’t provide as big a challenge for the NIners offense as their offenses provide our defense.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
Now that's some mofo'n kool-aid......LOL
I have to disagree, they have 1 more loss and play in a more ocmpetitive division. Plus 1 of their losses is the Packers.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
you have more “m’s” … I guess that means you win
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+10
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
-10
You don’t need a great D to keep us in check but it does take one to “Lock” us down. The Ravens game was the lowest scoring output of the season and it took 9 sacks to do it. Niners offense while not as explosive as some is still underrated.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
offense
The point is that the Packers or Saints offense could operate as a defense of sorts if the 49ers can’t get into the 30+ point range. They very well could, but if this gets into yesterday’s Packers-Giants territory, it remains to be seen if the 49ers offense could hang consistently.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
at the same time
I do think the 49ers defense can keep the game under 30. If they keep it under 30, I think the offense can do enough to win it as they showed against the Giants.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
Put enough pressure on Brees and he crumbles.
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That’s precisely how the Bucs and Rams beat them.
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My "boy?" Who's that?
I have 53 boys
It’s statements just like that, that make me make the comments I make about you. If I have substance to make them, then why wouldn’t I?
Besides…. ‘my boy’ is only 3 spots behind your boy on QB Rating and has thrown 6 less interceptions
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I'm sorry but you have to agree with the guy. It is true for all QB's if the pressure is constant, but I would bet on Smith crumbling before Brees.
Brees has had his share of success and failure, but Alex is just tasting success. In a few more seasons, if winning is the case, you can make the argument in Smith’s favor vs a QB that is on a losing team now, for example S Bradford.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
I know you despise and loath Smith... that's no secret lott
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You know that isn't the case. I have decided to not go all in with him again this season.
You know it is not personal hate, I think you do at least. that statement is based solely on experience. brees wasn’t always successful.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
A lot of QB's didn't have immediate success.
But Smith deserves at least some credit for what he has persevered through and done this year especially.
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Still doesn't mean you would expect Brees to crumble easier. he has done well, but, it has nothing to do with what i was referring too.
Are you saying you could see Smith crumble before Brees?
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Rams game is a perfect example of him crumbling
under pressure… Chris Long was in his face ALL. DAY. LONG (no pun)…
He CAN BE rattled given the right looks.
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Ravens game is an example, along with the Cowboys game.
Come on Drew that’s your usual BS!!
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Rams game: 2 INT’s, 1 TD
Bucs game: 3 INT’s, 1 TD
Both teams brought the heat, both games Brees crashed hard in.
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And in the Cowboys game
Smith was the ONLy reason we were in it at the end… so that’s BS from you.
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Only reason? thats laughable. ots a team game until you want to put Smith on a pedistal.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
So what are you saying...
Brock’s slip and Browns miscues DIDN’T have a major impact on the outcome of the game?
Smith played very well in that game all things considered.
It is a team game but Brock’s slip and Brown getting abused all day long pretty much had a HUGE impact on the outcome.
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how is the Cowboys game an example?
Smith had no fumbles and one int. Defense lost that game.
Mostly Brock and Brown...
Brock slipped to give up an easy TD to Austin that otherwise woulda been a 7 yard gain, if he even caught it.
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Couldnt get forst downs when it mattered. Not points, just forst downs.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Yeah he did. Of course he did.
He threw TD’s to help out a lot too. That one to Kyle Williams was on the money and could not have been placed better. Smith held up his end… there is nothing you can say to change that.
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Now if Smith had thrown
0 TD’s and turned the ball over a couple times, then maybe then (and only then) you would have a case. But that’s NOT what happened and you know it. At least I hope you would see the game for what really happened and not be blinded by your dislike of our quarterbacks play.
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Held up his end? The team was up 3 and they had the ball.
Rushing game was shut down and he was needed to produce first downs, so he didn’t hold up his end.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
this year?
Smith took 9 sacks in Baltimore and didn’t commit a single turnover. Smith has far less TOs than Brees.
So based on the TO stat, it’s a pretty logical argument to say Brees crumbles faster than Smith.
Smith doesn't turn the ball over as much as Brees
At least this year so far.
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I dunno, call me a smart ass, but, Smoyh doesnt pass as much and aure as hell isnt relied on as much.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Doesn't need to be...
Saints running game sucks, ours doesn’t.
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our running game
does suck from time to time. And it hurts AS when the O Line can’t help him sustain drives by allowing the run game to get chunks at a time.
Smith doesn't make plays down the field
like Brees does. Brees is throwing too many INTs this year, but saying that because one QB has less INTs than the other (who happens to be a perennial pro bowler, All-Pro, and elite and future HOFer) that he is better or “takes care of the ball better” does not observe the nuances of it all, which you seem prone to do.
We're talking about current events...
Alex THIS YEAR has NOT turned the ball over as much as Brees…
And apparently you missed the last game because Alex showed he can hit long passes…
Why do you hate the 49ers so much? What did they do to you to make you hate them so much?
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You are right, but i am as well.
This team does not rely on Smith as much as the saints rely on Brees.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
nobody is trying
to take that deserved credit away from him. But you have much more to say about Alex Smith that doesn’t jive with the sort of critical assessments of other players.
The 49ers have rolled through shotty defenses so that statement holds zero substance.
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it does have substance
Those crappy defenses did not have crazy explosive offenses like the Saints and Packers. Very different from any of the offenses the 49ers have played.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:37 AM PST up reply actions
Keep them off the field… you CAN do that when you’re playing crappy defenses… ESPECIALLY when those defense cannot stop the run or short passing games very well
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it takes more than just keeping them off the field
When their passing defense can score in about 1:30, that can make up for time of possession issues.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
Against our defense?
I don’t think it would be that easy, sorry.
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passing defense
The 49ers pass defense can be solid but it’s not as good as the rush defense. I’m not saying they’ll be scoring every 90 seconds, but I just think you’re underestimating the Saints.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:43 AM PST up reply actions
I don't.
I’ve seen enough to know they are overrated.
When their defense has been as bad as it is, then there is a clear and exploitable whole.
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context
You can argue that point, but it is about the context of the record. Numbers by themselves don’t mean a lot without proper context.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:49 AM PST up reply actions
That's your problem then.
Wins are all that matters. But you are the type of person that would complain if we only won by 1 point in the Superbowl.
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wins
Wins aren’t all that matters when making an on-the-field comparison.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
If those on-the-field results (whatever they may be)
are yielding results in wins, then yes, they are all that matter.
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but comparing...
two teams that have not played each other means you have to consider more than just their record, particularly when there is only one game difference. Wins are NOT all that matters in that case when trying to discuss the two of them.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
Underrated?
Nope. They’re right where they should be.
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My top 10 power rankings would go something like this:
1. Packers (12-0)
2. 49ers (10-2)
3. Ravens (9-3)
4. Steelers (9-3)
5. Texans (9-3)
6. Saints (9-3)
7. Patriots (9-3)
8. Cowboys (7-5)
9. Titans (7-5)
10. Bengals (7-5)
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power rankings
I’ll still have Baltimore ahead of the 49ers.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:00 AM PST up reply actions
Because they beat them? I think the 49ers are a better team… That game was questionable on some of the things that happened. And there was no definitive domination by either team. So tie goes to the record for me.
I don’t think the Ravens would beat us at Candlestick.
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Or in the Superbowl for that matter if it comes down to it.
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Candlestick
I think 49ers probably would win that, but the only context we have is the one game, so I’m sticking with it.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:05 AM PST up reply actions
But the one game has a lot of context within it as well.
Like the factors I listed above.
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Records trump wins… because they are an accumulation of WINS haha
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well played my friend....
But I still think for the purposes of a generic power ranking, Baltimore stays above the 49ers.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
So then you agree that the 49ers are better than the Saints speaking on power rankings then, right?
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huh?
I had the Saints #2 last week and probably will keep them right around there this week. I’ll have a post later today for more discussion on it, but here were my top six last week:
Green Bay
New Orleans
New England
Baltimore
Pittsburgh
San Francisco
I might drop New England down a couple spots, but otherwise not a ton of change.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:23 AM PST up reply actions
With a 25th ranked defense? Really?
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And
New England? They have the worst defense in the NFL…
Man, Fooch… that’s bad… really bad.
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power rankings
They ebb and flow as the season moves along. I don’t re-rank everybody each week. I adjust teams as I see fit.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:28 AM PST up reply actions
So where would you have us if we were undefeated?
Because there is only 13 points that separate us from that.
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#2
I think that my belief is that group from #2 to #6 is a lot closer than you think.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
I am just really shocked that you have this Niners team
that low in those slots…
They, for me are No. 2, no less than No. 3… I just can’t justify any less. Especially when we lost the ways we did both times…. and OT field goal and a short week loss on Thxgiving by 10 points and a couple of crappy calls that wen the other way.
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shocked?
It’s not like I have them ranked 15th. It is as much what I think about those other teams as it is what I think about the 49ers. I think shocked is reserved for slightly bigger differences.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
Yes shocked.
We are 10-2 with a point differential in losses of 13 points. Shocked. Uh huh. I think that’s right.
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texans
would you still rate them as high given their QB situation?
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
Because they can run the ball very well
And have two very explosive backs and they have one of the best defenses in the NFL this year.
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And Yates didn't look too shabby yesterday.
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fair enough
I think after Green Bay the 2-6 teams are very close that the rankings don’t mean much.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
I just dont see how the Niners are 6th. There’s really no justification for it. Especially behind two teams that virtually have zero defense.
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I happen to think differently
That’s just the way it is with power rankings. I have my specific concerns about the 49ers that could very well be addressed. I do think this team could win the Super Bowl, but I also think there are enough questions still to be answered that I think I can live with myself ranking them sixth in a random power ranking. And I still may move them past the Patriots. We’ll see.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions
again
I think 2 through could very well be 2a through 2f the way this season has gone.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe, but still… I think it’s very hard for teams to go deep in the playoffs with no defense.
That’s how the Cardinals beat the Packers in a shootout a few years ago. They had a slightly better defense than the Pack. And then the Steelers, a team that did have defense, beat the high octaned offense in the Superbowl because they were more balanced.
Lopsided teams rarely do well in the playoffs. Seattle showed us that last year against the Saints as well.
And I think the 49ers offense is going to peak late, which is great for us heading in to the playoffs. Smith and Crabtree are looking great, Williams and Ginn have big play ability, and we have Frank Gore and Hunter that can be explosive… and virtually the best defense in the entire NFL… Maybe a coin flip with the Ravens, but still… 6th? I have to say they belong at the top of your 2a-2f scenario.
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I think I agree with Fooch on one point
I would put the Ravens at 2 and Niners 3 because of the head to head. I know all the reasons why we lost the game but in the end all that really matters is that they won and we lost. That is the mantra of the playoffs is it not? All we have to go on is that head to head matchup. I do think we win the game in a rematch at SF but we’ll never know.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
So if the Ravens were 2-10 and beat us, they are the better team also?
Just because a team wins by a slight margin of victory on a short week, on their home turf, doesn’t necessarily mean they are better.
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but they aren't 2-10
they are 9-3 which is very good. I guess you could say that because they played so bad agaisnt SEA and ARI that we should be ahead of them. It’s just very close and it really doesn’t matter anyway. We won’t see them again unless it’s in the big one.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
you know nobody is saying that Drew
But when it comes to a single game difference in the standings, I think the context of the Ravens and their win allows me to keep them ahead of the 49ers.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 11:58 AM PST up reply actions
But you just got through admitting
that the 49ers would probably win at Candlestick against them. So that’s a bit of a contradiction.
Some of those teams that you have ahead of us have lost to really crappy teams. We lost against two pretty solid teams; and just barely at that.
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probably
But that’s not a guarantee that they would win.
I need to get food and get other stuff done. I don’t think either of us is going to change our minds today and at this point we’re just going in circles so I’m bowing out of this discussion.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
Okay, fair enough.
Hopefully they will change your mind soon and you will have them where they belong at No. 2…. or possibly even No. 1 depending on how seriously Charles Woodson and James Starks are injured and out for.
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Rankings
On a neutral field, I highly doubt we’d be favored in vegas vs any of these teams. Baltimore is the only team on that list to not win a super bowl recently and they’ve won multiple playoff games.
I’d probably put us at #3 behind Balt and GB, but who cares? Hopefully we’ll be the better team when we get our playoff games.
All the Dolphins and Bills teams of the
80’s and 90’s were a perfect example of why you need to have some level of defense to win… Usually the better defensive teams will win.
It’s exactly why we have 10 wins in 12 games… we have a so-so offense, but probably the best defense in the NFL, or at least top 2.
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GB and NO
Both have defenses that can be very oportunistic in creating turnovers and even scoring def TDs
That is what’s made their D’s ‘good enough’ to be championship caliber
You do realize that the each of those teams only have
1 defensive TD all year, right? Matthews TD yesterday was GB’s first of the year.
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Are you like this in real life or just the internet?
And are you the owner of that hometown fan site?
Their defense also gives up over 21 points a game.
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The Niners defense has zero
But they keep the opposition the hell outta the endzone… hence being ranked in points allowed all year with 13.4 a game.
Our team can literally score a single TD and a couple FG’s in just about every game to be in it.
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How good are the teams we faced in the redzone vs Green Bay.
If the two teams meet, all of those numbers mean squat anyway. The 49ers can beat any team going into the playoffs, just as well as any team can beat them. There are no guarantees.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
If that ticky tacky call on the 75 yard pass to Ginn doesn't get called
I think we would had them on their field, on the road, on a short week.
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yes but...
while it was a ticky tack call and a terrible rule it is techniacally the right call. That is a rule I’d like the league to look at on the offseason. I see the need to protect a player from being chopped by someone while he’s already engaged with another blocker but that one in the Ravens game was clearly following the rule book to the letter. I think if a player is chopped first and then basically barely touched like Chilo did then it should be a no call.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
Either way, it was close…. and in a game like that, where both teams have stellar defenses, it can be the difference in a game. Refs can sometimes leverage, or swing momentum for a team in a given game.
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No definitive domination? 9 Sacks, yeah their defense dominated our offense.
And their offense made our defense look to be not as good as theirs.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Wrong.
Their Dline dominated our Oline. Period.
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I disagree and I love our team
Their D was way more dominant than ours was in that game. Given a normal week… I think we show much better. They confused our O many times, showing stuff they had been saving up special. I would like this question to be settled once and for all on the big stage, please!
Yeah right, had that not been the case there would have been more points on the board.
Smith let a wide open Delanie, who should have been the first read go unoticed wide open for 6. He makes the play it changes the pressure. You can’t blame the OL, whether you really believe the guy is flawless or not.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Yep they do… and we have 1 more win than both the Saints and Ravens, right?
Putting the Cowboys ahead of us is pretty ridiculous, so you really don’t have any room to talk… they could not even score on AZ and choked.
Again, why do you hate the 49ers so much? Please don’t try and claim you look at things “objectively” because that is pure and total BS!
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I really feel like conversations with you, are conversations with the enemy… In fact, I have had more productive conversations with more subjective fans of other teams…
It really doesn’t get any worse than this.
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Packers are scary... Saints not so much.
This Saints teams is worst than the one that lost to Seattle in the first round of last years playoffs.
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Packers can at least do some tricky and creative things on defense.
And Capers and Fangio are very similar in their styles. And yes, the Packers offense is better than ours… but it doesn’t equal and automatic win against us if we meet up.
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better offense than that one...
Adding Darren Sproles who can actually stay healthy, unlike Reggie Bush, has been huge for them.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
Again... if they aren't touching the ball and pressure is consistntly being put on Brees
They aren’t as good as what people are claiming. I’ve watched them a few times this year against subpar teams, and they really didn’t wow me at all.
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Saints
I definitely think the Saints are beatable, particularly on the road. But I have my concerns about the 49ers pass defense against good offenses.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:44 AM PST up reply actions
I think we all agree
The Saints and Packers are winning with offense and defenses that give up points but also get turnovers. The Niners are playing great defense and win with field position, smart offense and win the turnover battle.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
I would be more worried about teams like the Giants or Cowboys
Over the Saints
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Cowboys beat us and Giants were within a TD away till the very end.
Saints defense is one of the worst in the NFL
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Lions have all kinds of guys injured or suspended... and they still hung in there till very late.
They hung in there with their B squad basically.
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of course
Given that they lack any sort of discipline, they’ll be playing with their B squad a lot.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
But that's sort of the point...
A team like that can still hang with the Saints…. and if you go back through all their games, they’ve all been very close. So it’s not like they are blowing people up or anything like that. They’re very beatable IMO
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Better defense last year, and the year before.
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They've progressively gotten worse over the past couple of years on that side of the ball
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They're exactly the same on offense.
I actually think they are putting up less points per game than last year.
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You're going to pretend they haven't upgraded at RB/TE?
Bush is nowhere as good as Sproles and Graham is so much better in his 2nd year than an injury plagued Shockey.
I agree with that. Graham is better than Shockey…way better. But the WR’s have not been playing as well from previous seasons…. So lock up Graham and that’s that.
In regards to Sproles, he is a small upgrade over Bush, but not anything ridiculous. We do have Bowman and Willis to neutralize that little dart out or check down.
I think Ray Lewis smashing Sproles head in last year and know that Willis and Bowman are more than capable of shutting that noise down in a hurry.
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I don’t even know if Sproles is an upgrade over Bush. Bush is doing pretty good in Miami, i think Bush just isn’t a 3rd-down type of guy and needs repeated carries to get going. Sproles is use to that ish but put him in a feature role and I think he crumbles.
Haters gon' hate...
Sproles could never be a feature back.
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that is incorrect
They’re putting up 8.75 more points per game this year. They put up 24 points per game last year and are averaging 32.75 points per game this year. They are also averaging 76.1 yards per game more this year. They are a better offense this year. There is no doubt about that.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:32 PM PST up reply actions
Well they're giving up more on defense and not creating as many turnovers
So it’s a wash at the least
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Yeah but their offense can recover from a turnover faster than ours if you are counting points per and yards per.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Well if we have the ball for 3/4ths the game, the point is moot
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Not really, if we are putting up 5 or 6 FG's and they score on their possessions.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Yeah FG's suck...
But we have the No. 1 defense in the NFL. So it’s not like it would be SOOO easy for them to score on us. They’ve had trouble against teams like the Bucs and Rams who we’ve demolished.
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Seems like you want some Super, All-Pro, All Pro Bowl team.
Your expectations are not realistic…
The Packers would not even meet your requirements. Please don’t claim they would because a cumulative of your comments would suggest otherwise.
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You were in diapers and drinking a bah bah the last time
the 49ers resembled anything close to what you want… I remember those teams very well, and this 49ers team is very close to that playing wise, and talent wise.
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didn't roll through that terrible defense yesterday in the first half.
would need a more complete game from the offense against GB
That’s the first half. We scored 26 points and should have had one more TD that Vernon dropped. So really it should’ve been 33-0
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Okay 33-7...
Does that really make a difference? Enough to argue about?
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maybe
Not sure what point you’re trying to make. In a game that the other team can’t even move the ball and has multiple turnovers, I’m not impressed with 26 or 33.
Weird.
I was impressed… I’ve been impressed with this team all year long. Shocked at how good they are, really. To be honest.
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Sure there were points left on the board in the 1st half.
I think it was frustrating for all of us… but ultimately, in the end, the 49ers kicked it in to gear and began rolling.
They showed us all something we all doubted, we can connect on the deep ball. And that Crabtree and Smith are finally getting in sync… and Kyle Williams can kill teams with big plays on the YAC.
I was really happy with the things that came out of that game. Feels like all the pieces are coming together at the end of the year when it matters the most. I’d rather peak in December and January than in September and October.
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Would love to see Crabs reach 1000 yards – need to feed him the rock.
Hopefully the red zone play calling gets better and they actually let Alex get some attempts.
I didn't understand that.
AleX has HoF numbers in the RZ.
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Well he had 120 yards on 7 receptions against the Cards in the last game.. maybe he will double that this game haha
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Crabtree
He basically needs to average 100+ yards a game for these last 4. It can be done.
I also hope Kyle starts getting more love. He is a real threat.
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As long as the 49ers win 3 or their next 4, I am happy...
1st round bye and home field in the 2nd round is all I want for Christmas.
As for opponent, I hope the 49ers get the Saints. They will be a tough opponent, no doubt. They are explosive and experienced. But for many of the reasons mentioned above, I like the 49ers chances in San Francisco. 11 of the Saints 16 games will have been played in a dome, on turf, and they are specially built for that. Not so much for San Francisco in January.
I also believe that they would be a great matchup because if you prepare for the Saints offense, and you can beat them, you are largely preparing for the Packers offense as well. They are very similar both in style and substance. Beat one, and I think you have a shot at the other…
"Granted, this is not a great situation, but when all you have is lemons, you add some vodka to dull the pain..."
similar?
I think the only similarity between the two offenses is the amount of points they score.
Call me cautiously optimistic....because I know what the Niners do to people who have real optimism (see the last 8 years).
I see what your saying
Faceing the saints would be good practice for us against green bay though I am not overlooking anybody because as we all know during playoff time all stats are thrown out and its anybody’s game. While I am confident in our team I’d much rather focus on the games week to week. And I for one am not overlooking Dallas. I said it right after our loss to them "We will repay the favor in playoffs and I for one believe Dallas green bay will be a great game as well. Lets remember that this is the nfl and a league where every game can be won or lossed.
by Zintzun22niner on Dec 5, 2011 11:24 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I know Detroit is 2-5 in their last 7
But I think they are a good, dangerous team, that should not be overlooked. Definitely better than the Cowboys imo. I’d put them 4th in the NFC after NO, SF, GB.
Lions...
I don’t think they make the playoffs…
4 teams: Giants, Bears, Falcons, or Lions…. I see the Giants and Falcons coming out with those two spots by looking their schedules over. Bears are probably done now… And the Lions are so injured and very undisciplined.
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Lions are not ready for success
They will blow it like they have been. Giants are too inconsistent but they are the favorite among the hunters. Bears are too beat up, Falcons should advance. NFC is pretty much set up. The AFC race is more exciting at the moment
Agreed…
Right now, it seems as though the Packers and 49ers, barring a major metldown, will retain the first round byes… and the Cowboys and Saints will be hosting home games against the Giants and Falcons.
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We will not play the Saints
the road stays at home where we meet the Cowboys and we get our revenge. Falcons beat the Saints as they are division rivals that play well against each other. Packers destroy a tired Falcon team and we meet at the Frozen Tundra. Epic clash of the titans in which the victor will need the week off before the Super Bowl
How is that???
1st. Greenbay 2nd. (Us) 49ers 3rd. Saints 4th. Cowboys/ because the giants schedule only gets tougher. Then 2 wild card teams 5th. Atl 6th. Toss up between Det/Chi/or giants.
Wild card week will be 6th seed vs 3rd and 5th vs 4th seeds. It could very well be the saints vs 49ers in the divisional round though any form of upset could change this of course.
by Zintzun22niner on Dec 5, 2011 11:48 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Would be nice to roll the Cowboys first and then go through Green Bay on the way to the Superbowl.
That would be the ultimate storybook ending to this season … and then beat the Ravens in the SB.
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Dang , we're the only Team with Three more road game's , Packer's only with One ...
… just don’t see any loses for them , But the Saints , get to head to the Titans and got Falcons left so who knows , Niners just keeping doing their thing and all is Kewl …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ..( .AleX ) was asked , what do you think about all the game manager talk ... AleX i guess i just managed myself a VIctory ... Extend the Man ...!!
Our schedule is still
Relatively easier than theirs.
by Zintzun22niner on Dec 5, 2011 12:00 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
If we play the Saints
I think we have a slight advantage if we play at the Stick. Playing in the outdoors, exposed to all the elements (cold, wind, and rain here in SF) makes you stronger. I remember last season on MNF, some of Brees’ passes were fluttering in the wind……..
Dome teams have it easy, with their perfectly controlled environments. Let’s see what happens when the grass is mushy and there’s mud everywhere.
by TotallyBodaciousDude on Dec 5, 2011 12:01 PM PST reply actions
Charles Woodson has a concussion...
Anyone heard what the status of James Starks is? That could be a huge hit to the Packers on both sides of the ball.
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Starks
Tweet: James Starks will be “challenged” to practice on Wed. Personally, I’ll be shocked if they play him against the Raiders.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions
Woodson
Tweet: McCarthy says Charles Woodson will probably be ready to go for the Raider game. And Andrew Quarless is out for the year.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:35 PM PST up reply actions
Oh yeah, forgot about Quarless
Oh well about Woodson and Starks… I’d rather us beat them healthy if we see them anyhow… Could stifle some of the negativity.
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Hawk?
I am not sure… I didn’t catch too much of that game. Basically just the end of it.
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Isn't his name Bishop? I seen him go out vs the Lions, helped me win a fantasy game last week by .2 points.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Desmond Bishop
Former Cal player Desmond Bishop. He had a calf injury. Rookie DJ Smith is starting in his place. Bishop had an MRI on his calf injury but no word yet on how much longer he is out.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 2:27 PM PST up reply actions
Interesting Facts
Currently GB is rated 31th in Pass Defense and 3rd in Pass Offense – New England is 32nd in PD and 2nd in PO and the Saints are 30th in PD and 1st in PO……………………does one force the other and to get to the Super Bowl we might have to face all three. At least we will have a lot of practice with this type of team.
Teams like the Ravens, Steelers, and Niners have the advantage against teams like that.
You can control the clock against those types of teams. You can run the ball against all three as well.
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Weather
True and defense usually determines W/L when the weather is a factor…………………but in a dome we better bring our “A” offense. As to their run defense – it might not be as bad as it looks on paper. Passing is the norm because each team is just trying to keep up with the others offense
We have to fix our Oline before the playoffs.
If we don’t, we virtually have no shot at a SB. If they can step it up a bit more, then the sky is the limit.
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A lot more.
These aggressive pass rush teams got our number. Lets not forget what the saints did to us in the preseason. Luckily we can repay the favor to these teams on our way to lifting that great lombardi trophy.
by Zintzun22niner on Dec 5, 2011 12:35 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Meh.. preseason was smoke in mirrors.
This team has evolved quite a bit since then. Wouldn’t put too much stock in to those 12 plays or whatever it was.
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Known weakness
Well at least we “know” our faults and better have a cure before the playoffs because I am sure we are going to be seriously tested – this is a copycat league.
But the Saints have also regressed... particularly on defense.
The hope to lure teams in to a shootout… that’s their whole deal. Their offense is their defense… if you don’t let them have the ball and blitz the hell out of Brees from all over the field, they are not as potent as some would like to claim or think.
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Our defense didn't even really play in that game. We put no pressure on Brees. Our starters didn't play together, it was mix of team a, team b, and team c for us on both sides of the ball.
4 quarters against them would be a lot different than a few plays.
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yes but to these men I BELIEVE they took offense to that game and will be out for blood.
by Zintzun22niner on Dec 5, 2011 12:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, Gregg Williams will try to pull the same crap I am sure.
But I’d like to put a bit more faith in Harbaugh to know what the Saints will try and do, and have a solid plan to neutralize it and back them the hell off… Gore and Hunter would most likely be a big part of that… screens and such would kill that over aggressiveness real quick.
Besides, they have not been able to do that against anyone this season. They won’t be bringing the heat the way they did in preseason. They can’t afford to against starters for 4 quarters.
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I would love to have revenge on them
Even though it was preseason, I was really annoyed with their bush league blitzing
Sweet
It would be sweet but a win against the Packers would still be so much sweeter. The look on A. Smith’s face when he beats Rogers on his home turf would be a thing to behold.
One thing at a time
I’ll be happy no matter what if we can win at least 1 playoff game. Of course losing the NFC championship would hurt, but need a playoff win under this team’s belt for next year, if nothing else.
Already happy
I feel the same way…………but if you have to ask for a wish list ;-). I have followed the 49ers since our heartbreak defeat against the Cowgirls in 1972 and the last few years have been almost too painful to watch so right now anything after the playoffs is ALL GOOD!
1. packers
2. steelers
3. ravens
4. saints
5. patriots
6. cowboys
7. 49ers
just avoid the packers, saints, and cowboys in the playoffs and we should be okay!
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by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 5, 2011 12:57 PM PST reply actions
Wow...
You have a 7-5 team above a 10-2 team that lost by 3 in OT and 10 on a short week. Just wow.
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wow, other people have opinions, just wow
i would put the cowboys as just a bit better but any week they can be amazing or complete crap
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by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 5, 2011 1:00 PM PST up reply actions
49ers are:
Ranked 1st in points allowed on defense with 13.4
Ranked 10th on offense with 24 per game…
Yet somehow, they are gettin absolutely zero love on this board. Even the talking heads on all the major networks (who hate WC teams) are giving them more love.
Unbelievable… reallly.
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i just have a pessimistic attitude in general. i think its because of the 10 years of futility. id just rather rank them lower than others and get exicted if they do well rather than rank them too high and have a huge letdown
i said if they beat the ravens they would definitely be a top 3 team, but they looked pathetic against them. we cant just beat teams like the rams, browns, and redskins, that wont cut it
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by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 5, 2011 1:08 PM PST up reply actions
I get the lower expectations thing... I do...
But haven’t they already exceeded all of our expectations this year? Everything now, is icing on the cake….
I’d say even if we don’t go far in the playoffs, this should give us all hope and belief and bury the pessimism. Harbaugh is here for 5 years (minimum).
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I get the lower expectations thing... I do...
But haven’t they already exceeded all of our expectations this year? Everything now, is icing on the cake….
I’d say even if we don’t go far in the playoffs, this should give us all hope and belief and bury the pessimism. Harbaugh is here for 5 years (minimum).
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you and your extremes
Despite people saying we could win the SB, that’s not enough? Ranking a team 6th in the NFL on some arbitrary list does not equal no love.
I posted stats… how is that going to extremes?
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The Hometown Fan
Yet somehow, they are gettin absolutely zero love on this board. Even the talking heads on all the major networks (who hate WC teams) are giving them more love.
not true – a few pessimistic/realistic comments and you label people as haters, once again
Where did I say "hater"?
I just said bury the pessimism… we’ve already exceeded expectations. Can we all agree on that? I think so…
Anyway.. I think it’s time to let the past 7-8 years go… because there is a lot of light shining on this team now. It doesn’t feel fluky. The 2011 49ers have beat some good football teams, and barely, barely lost to a couple of good ones. I mean 13 points separates us from being 12-0.
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you said "zero love", which isn't true
I’m not going back to other posts to dig up your hater comments, if we mentioned an alex pass being too high or something else you didn’t agree with.
Our team is really good, but we’ve also won some very close games. We could easily be 9-3 or 8-4 and we’d still be a good team. I wonder if our team would have still “bought in” if we had lost that game in Philly. I like to think we’d still be 9-3, but it’s hard to say.
Zero love...
By some folks on here… not everyone of course. A majority of people probably think we need to be ranked 2nd or 3rd on a power ranking….
The point is, we HAVE won 10 games… and ONLY lost the two we did by small, small margins. If you go further and add context to those games… OT field goal and 2 days to prepare against a pretty awesome team on the road and still only lose by 10… had that Ginn TD gone the other way, we may be talking about an 11-1 or 12-0 team.
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O Line
To be honest I really am not worried about Rogers, Brees or even if our secondary is going to show up……………………and I do have faith in A. Smith BUT I do fear a breakdown in our O Line and do not want to see a repeat of Thanksgiving day.
We had 2 full days to prepare for the Ravens, which was a road game.
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zero love
Hardly. People are critiquing them but no need for the exaggeration.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:37 PM PST up reply actions
Hits
I don’t know about exaggerating……………I have seen AleX take some serious hits and often wonder how he is still standing. No one can ever question his toughness.
Test
And if the niners play the packers we will get to see the “Hyped” bowl between the A. Smith and Rogers……………..and the media had a fun one with the Harbaugh brothers. The “experts” should really have a field day with that one………………but like coach says “one game at a time” ;-).
yea...
It would be fitting to see them square off in the NFC title game. How many times would we see video from the 2005 draft cut to some cheesy music showing their star-crossed careers?
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:52 PM PST up reply actions
Dream come true
Yes right out of the movie Cinderfella…………………….from taking crap to eating caviar! One for the ages and something to remember – my three sons are becoming serious fans and it would be great to share the moment with them BUT one game at a time.
It’s not exaggerated at all. Some people, are not giving them their deserved and earned accolades
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clarification
That’s fine to say “some people.” You made it sound like nobody was giving him any love.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:43 PM PST up reply actions
Certain people... but still
When all the major pundits are finally starting to rank them 2nd and 3rd in their own power rankings (after not giving them love all year), and some others on this board are not still, there is something to be said for that I think.
So, I don’t think it’s exaggerated really. That’s my take on it anyway.
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exaggeration
Just to be clear, yes it is an exaggeration to say “Yet somehow, they are getting absolutely zero love on this board.” All i wanted was clarification that you did not mean the entire site because if you think the entire site is not giving them any love, that is patently wrong and I want to make that very clear. It is correct to say some are giving them no love, and it is incorrect to say they are getting absolutely zero love. It is not absolutely. It’s that simple.
by David Fucillo on Dec 5, 2011 1:48 PM PST up reply actions
I cleared that up above in my response to mrg80 before you commented on mine.
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Success
I was watching the NFL Network tonight and a strange thing happened. I saw a picture clip of Takeo Spikes in a Charger uniform. As much as I love this 9ers success, and the lights out way Bowman has been playing, I really wish TKO could share this success. He really deserves it.
Hollywood movie script coming? How's this for going out on a limb.
I remember posting back around the time A. Smith got the nod one last time for SF, as a complete joke, mind you, that he’d have the storybook comeback and hoist the Lombardi – the movie’s name would be “Alex” (haha).
…………yeah, speaking of “couldn’t script it better”: in the event the Niners take Lambeau in January and bounce Rodgers and Co., that script will be freakin’ stamped and mailed.
Even if it doesn’t come until about 20 years down the road, the story of Smith will be on par with Invincible in terms of “worst to first” for NFL history. Alex’s teammates are riding this out with him, a genius madman of a coach gave him the vote of confidence, and its almost destiny that the QB class of ’05 meet for the epic showdown of NFC rights to the Promised Land.
Don’t know how directors would react to making something so NFLish, but if it could be done… just a passing fancy on my part.
Make it so.
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