ESPN NFL Power Rankings: Are The 49ers Coming In Under The Radar?
by David Fucillo on Aug 9, 2011 12:38 PM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintESPN released their first NFL power rankings of the preseason and our beloved 49ers sit 26th. The only teams behind them? Denver, Cleveland, Washington, Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati. Not exactly a great list of teams, but maybe having low expectations isn't the worst thing in the world.
Last year the 49ers entered the preseason ranked 12th in the power rankings. Power rankings in general are much more reactionary than predictive and the 49ers are a perfect example of that. Over the last few seasons the 49ers have entered the new year with high hopes and high expectations from the pundits. Big things were expected in 2007 after the 49ers closed strong in 2006. Last year expectations were high in the media thanks to the consistency carrying over. Both seasons ended fairly disastrously.
Low expectations this year can be due to a whole variety of reasons. The team did bring in Jim Harbaugh, but even that contributes to potentially low expectations. While we're all ready for Coach Harbaugh to lead the team to the promised land, less subjective opinions likely expect more struggles early on. A new coaching staff, the lockout affecting implementation of scheme changes, and of course the return of everyone's favorite whipping boy, Alex Smith, all contribute to lower expectations this year.
Do the expectations really make any difference? Is it possible lower expectations might decrease the pressure on the players' shoulders? Or does it really matter? I realize power rankings are fairly worthless in the broader context, but it does give us an idea of what people are thinking outside of the 49ers fanbase.
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would put us around 20 given all the uncertainties
can’t believe they have arizona at 21, sure they’ll be falling fast
pretty sure the east cost writers just drew NFCW team names out of a hat
by dozybolox13 on Aug 9, 2011 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
actually, I think they went with sando's rankings
sando has the 49ers last in the NFC west.
Yeah, Sando seems to be ESPN's "expert" on the NFCW,
And he’s not very good at it.
well I hope we aren't being overrated...
We won’t know till the season starts. Everyone wants to downgrade the niners because outside of s.f. they all think Alex is a bust. This NEEDS to be the year we find out.
by wtlichens on Aug 9, 2011 6:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
26th? Holy Moses...
That is pretty bad. I guess that is a good thing?
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It doesn't matter
because these will all go out the window.
Look at the preseason rankings for previous years. That tells you all you need to know.
This is what I said below
They also had Pittsburgh at 18, I think LMAO
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Right... Defense was a strength last year, liability this year..
Why exactly is that, I have no idea.. And it was all Alex Smith fault anyway, so who cares.
we lost our sack rush artist in lawson
his 2.5 sacks made him our sole pass rusher.
"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"
But who exactly are the 49ers coming in under the radar against?
It’s not like any coaching staff out there in the NFL puts any stock in the espn power rankings. Sando doesn’t influence anybody.
Mike Tomlin: Wait, the ’9ers are where in the power rankings? Really? Take the week off boys!
Harbaughcalypse Now
I am confident our 2011 team is better than our 2010 team so i dont care about rankings.
by Chris.Doja on Aug 9, 2011 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
The rankings don’t really matter as much as the scoreboard (haha). However, the thing that irritates me about these rankings is that our franchise is perceived so poorly based partly upon not making the big splash in FA like Seattle and Arizona did.
I guess the dynasty memories are still too fresh in my head…
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
To the same point, when they celebrated the 49ers "big" movies a few years ago
fans reveled in the expectations
So.. can’t really complain. This is how it works.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 9, 2011 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions
What ranking would you give????
New Head Coach
New Offensive Cord
New Defense Cord
Loss of 4 or 5 starters
I think this is VERY FAIR AND HONEST assessment.
Expect a 5 or 6 win season, a good draft pick and hoepefully a solid platform to build off of for the years to come.
D train to Bensonhurst Brooklyn BABEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HC – incomplete
OC – incomplete
DC – B (based upon past history when given real defensive tools with which to work)
The loss of 4-5 starters is mostly a net positive.
Carlos Rogers > Nate Clements (less burnt toast is good for the defense)
Donte Whitner > Dashon Goldson (better tackler, more durable, proven field leader)
Jonathan Goodwin > David Bass/Adam Snyder
Braylon Edwards > Morgan (and possibly better than Crabtree)
Sopoaga < Franklin (but for how long? and can’t Coach Tomsula coach up Soap?)
TKO < Bowman (but not for a 3 year deal…Bowman looks legit)
I think ESPN’s assessment is very negative and assumes that we are in a rebuild because we are ranked 4th in the division.
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
I agree with a lot of what you said,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
However, that is still a hell of a lot of changes on the field and to think there won’t be growing pains to go with much turnover is absurd.
D train to Bensonhurst Brooklyn BABEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If everyone learns their assignments and can build some team chemistry
offense as one component and defense as the other… then the sky is the limit in such a wide open division.
Not one team has the advantage over the other.
Pete Carroll – Known for running teams in to the dirt after he takes over.
Steve Spags – Unproven thus far but showing moderate improvement per season. Still a lot on the table.
Ken Wizz – I mean, one SB and major, major strides to make this year. Lot of key players lost, not a whole bunch gained. Kolb will dictate their success. And he is very unproven at this point.
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I agree
Other than 8 training camp practices, no one has seen anything to rank us any higher. We’re going to have to work for it.
(even though being below AZ is pretty bad)
by NashvilleNinersFan on Aug 9, 2011 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
People will take notice when they cart TJ off the field
Mr Jackson, please meet Mr Willis and his two buddies, Mr Smith and Mr Smith.
I cannot possibly ask for a better opening day present than the chance to explode through the Seahags and Carrol, especially after the egg we laid last year over there!
Underestimating us would help - hope they do.
New coaches, new system, new personnel and a brief preseason to implement everything? I don’t expect to draw conclusions until half the season is over. Five of our last seven games are in the division, so we’ll still be in it by the time we gel.
Power rankings have just been relections of your won loss record tweaked for expectations. If they were valid indicators, they wouldn’t change every week.
You won't see Harbaugh hanging a "Win the West" banner:
You’re more likely to see him hang a ‘nobody believed in us’ banner.
Personally, I like it better this way.
Kaepernick may have some growing to do as a passer, but you don't get to 10,000 yards passing in college without being able to read a defense.
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by grantmp on Aug 9, 2011 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Pressure is off
At least from a national media standpoint. No expects us to do anything other than suck.
We all know that expectations are running fairly high in the local area and media.
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
id rather fly under the radar
than have all these false expectations put on us and have the new guys have too much pressure!
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Like 99% of TV
just a time-filler. Hopefully not too many idiots on the team – ones who give a dang.
Sando's an idiot
He’s the one with the blurb by the 49ers about how overhauling the defense leaves it with major questions and fails to note that the so-called “overhaul” is a net positive over last year.
Idiot?
That’s a little strong. I saw in one of his replies in the comments section that he is just wary about picking the 49ers because of our recent history of choking.
I’d say he’s being wimpy because once bitten, twice shy.
Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!
It's got nothing to do with him not picking the 49ers to win it all
rather the fact that he has put absolutely no effort into analyzing the actual roster of the 49ers.
Maybe he disagrees on the caliber of the players and their ability to mesh a bunch of new guys in a short window. Then there’s Alex Smith. I don’t think it’s far fetched to rank us low.
In fairness to Sando
He did say the NFC West was wide open and any of the four teams could end up winning it based on various x-factors, but maybe that’s just a way of being as noncommittal as posible. I will agree though that his analysis always seems a little lacking in insight and have often wished ESPN had someone else covering the NFC West.
In the world of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
i read in his comments section he made those
Rankings before our FA acquisitions and when we had just lost bass, tko etc.
I think he would rank us higher now….
2011 season can't come quick enough..
by AzNiner on Aug 9, 2011 3:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Sando was born and raised in Seattle.
He also worked for their local paper. He definitely has bias for the Seahawks. But didn’t he pick us to win last year? I read his stuff everyday and I do see him giving us the benefit of the doubt more so than not. At least in the past couple years.
Sando is a former Raiders fan from California.
Covering the Seahawks beat was how he broke into sportswriting.
by Fearless Frog on Aug 9, 2011 7:51 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
The fact that Sando ranks the Niners behind the Vikings is an embarassment to ESPN.
But really, not many people give a [site decorum] about the bottom 15. I’m sure the Niners will end up middle of the pack this year, barring injury.
Vikings could be pretty good this year
They still have a really solid talent base.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 9, 2011 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Their defense is ferocious
Although less so with the end of the Williams Wall
Kaep may become our Staubach, but Alex is our Craig Morton...
Apparently Dilfer has been trolling practice today lol
I think he has a big ol’ mancrush on Baalke.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Aug 9, 2011 1:46 PM PDT reply actions
Not really worried too much about the rankings
Last season they had Dallas #4 overall and Pittsburgh at #18 during week one. How did that end up?
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 1:46 PM PDT reply actions
pretty much, no one should take rankings or "expert" opinions for anything more than they are
just fun postulations.. If they had ranked the 49ers #1, it wouldn’t matter anymore than if they ranked them #32.
I haven’t made my initial rankings yet, but I imagine the 49ers would be around the bottom 3rd.
by whistlingmountain on Aug 9, 2011 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Looking forward to the start of the regular season power rankings.
Also, if the Niners beat the Eagles week four, expect us to jump to an undeserved #10. Good Lord the Eagles are so overrated this year.
I don't know that is a talented football team
Their front four is scary, the corners may dominate and Vick is special. Remember they also added Ronnie Brown to take some of the heat off of Shady McCoy. They are going to be extremely tough
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Ronnie Brown is highly overrated, IMO.
I think that was one of their worse pickups. They’re a team of veterans, and without solid youth I think they’re destined to bust. Just my opinion, but I don’t see a SB in their future.
He will be a solid
complement to McCoy, that is what I meant.. The may in fact, be like the Miami Heat of the NFL. Talent all around, but not able to put it together.
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
overrated- but he's a stud inside the 10 yard line
Ronnie Brown has a nose for the end zone. which is a nice complement to McCoy…who’s not so studly inside the 10.
And also, it gives them the ability to preserve vick who got that collarbone break reaching for the goal line.
by t p on Aug 9, 2011 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
To be "expert for a second"
NFC West Rankings
49ers: 17
Rams: 19
Seahawks: 22
Cardinals: 24
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 1:53 PM PDT reply actions
I have the 49ers at 13-3! who is with me?
losses with the eagles, lions, and steelers
Don't understand why people keep thinking we're gonna lose to the lions.
I think that’s about middling difficulty. They have a scary front four and one great receiver, but thats about it.
They have a decent TE, monster receiver
terrific QB (if he can stay healthy), and a pretty solid defense.
All true.
But if someone’s going to be a serious homer and say we’re going 13-3, then the lions would not be one of those losses.
random loss
the 49ers always lose a game that they should win. often its on the road during an early game so the lions just seemed like a possible time to lose. its still early in the season too so they might still be shaky.
good point
this always does happen. last year there were like 5 in a row in the beginning of the season. remember that? lolz
Just saying
The lions might break 500 this year. Wouldn’t shock me, they’ve drafted well.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
Could happen
This is probably our ceiling for this year. Unless Alex Smith goes Super Saiyan.
But if I’m in vegas I’m probably thinking 8-8 or 7-9.
the over/under is 8.5
very tempting to put down a couple bills on under…the perfect fan hedge
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
whoops 7.5
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
As a gambooling man
I’d say the under is a pretty easy take. I know it’s hard as a niner fan, and thats why I would never place that bet. Never bet against your own team. I already have enough conflicts with fantasy sports.
that's the "fan hedge"
if you lose the bet, you’re happy because we’re .500 or better and likely in the hunt for playoffs.
if you win the bet, you’re pissed about season but you can buy yourself (read: wife) something nice
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I get it.
Logically it makes sense. But my conscious will never let me bet against the niners. Played baseball and poker my whole life, so I’m extremely superstitious. So I won’t take the risk of my bet affecting the niners season (I’m aware that’s absurd).
the koolaid
it is delicious
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha
to both the joke and the fact you haven’t washed your hands.
Hopefully it was clean before you shook it. If the coach falls ill to the flu or something we’re taking pitchforks to your house.
Are jk?
Jim Harbaugh’s immune system is so strong, germs are scared to even come within a one mile radius.
Last time he felt sick
Jim Harbaugh’s doctor went to him for a check up… Harbaugh’s antibodies (Harbantibodies) are now being developed as the cure for cancer.
but it's not a stretch to see only 6-7 wins with our schedule
Only a few “easy” games…far too many coin flips to go all-in on the over
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
it's so unpredictable
especially with parity. opponents that don’t look strong now, could be surprisingly tough opponents when the season is underway.
I’ve looked at the schedule 5 or 6 times, and know whatever I guess will be wrong because of a few random games (such as losing to the Browns or beating the Steelers, etc).
who knows. maybe the koolaid is legit and we roll to 10-11 wins
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm calm/rational now
but when the season starts I’ll pretty much expect 16-0 and take every loss like a kick to the gut
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Both the beauty and agony of football
is that luck is such a big part of games that it’s not too hard to see the “better” team lose. Combine that with a one-and-done playoffs, you can see why there are so few back to back SB champs (unlike in Basketball, with it’s 6 month playoffs of Best-of-7)
this will happen
if the niners go 14-2
remember when we used to go 14-2? that was pretty cool
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
When did Stafford become a terrific QB?
He had a crappy rookie season, and started off slowly before getting injured last season. He still has a ton of potential and is a great young prospect but let’s not pretend he’s Matt Ryan.
by Fearless Frog on Aug 9, 2011 7:58 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm sure he can be.
Doesn’t mean he is right now.
by Fearless Frog on Aug 10, 2011 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions
No way we go 13-3, but nice dreaming
However, I have us beating the Lions. They still have major issues along the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. Neither were really addressed in the off-season. Plus, they lost Leshoure for the season and Fairley is in a walking boot. Hard to tell what is going to happen with them. It will also depend on Stafford staying healthy, which is unlikely
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
the key is definitely Stafford
I don’t’ think it’ll be a walk in the park, but it should be a decent game that we can win
The Leshoure injury hurts a lot
Best is not an every down back in the NFL, and Stafford needs to get protection in the running game because it isn’t going to happen a long the offensive line
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Thankfully this isn't college football
and these rankings have exactly NO meaning to the season lol
we'd just have to hand the Lombardi trophy to PHI or NE in that case...
I'm feeling...I feel like I want to rage. Right now. - B. Wilson
by fjm on Aug 9, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
i know imagine if the NFL did have that BS system?
yea the eagles or the pats would win you are right LOL
lets just see how our 9ERS do when the season starts
the only rankings that count are the last ones. the ones that come after the superbowl.
not really
because those would be the preseason rankings for the upcoming season!
But your point is very valid
LMAO good point
you might be right, but i think some sites make a rankings list and rank all the teams right after the superbowl. 1) being the superbowl champs 2) being the superbowl loser and so forth,
I posted this earlier
but just take a look at this
http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2010/week/0
yea I seen it and you are right
i guess i was wrong, i think they only do that for basketball then. anyway what i meant to say was what counts is the final standings after the superbowl. so who cares, right? thats why we play the games. no one thought the seachickens where going to beat the saints in the playoffs. so you never know. thats why im sure we a love football. new season, fresh start. most teams have a shot.
No I totally agree with you
Rankings in general are stupid for actual prediction/evaluation, I think. They are only valuable in starting conversations about how wrong/right they are, which can lead to some valuable insight.
Vic Fangio has his presser today and seriously knocked the hope out of me
said that Willis and Smith are not very good and that Culliver needs to study more.
"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"
Yeah, but that's his personality, never pleased
I read a story about a game at Stanford where Stanford was absolutely killing the other team, something like 35-0 at halftime, and Fangio was like “you guys played like **** out there”
Article
Cornerback Richard Sherman said his first impression of Fangio when he joined the staff this year after 24 years in the NFL was that of a “stone cold killer.”
“You think he’s the meanest guy,” Sherman said. "He rarely smiles. The other team might have no points or three points at halftime, and he’ll come in and say, ‘That was a s- half.’ "
lol
I think I can forgive him though
"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"
He said his pass rushing skills sucked
and that he is better than expected but still needs to improve.
"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"
He doesn't suck at it though
he has the most sacks for an ILB in the past two years. He also said Smith is ok and where he expected him to be.
"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"
The sacks aren't due to Patrick's rushing ability
they’re from the defensive scheme. In this case the defensive linemen act like offensive linemen and open a hole for Willis to come through.
isn't that how the ilb blitz supposed to work though?
I think Fangio was saying how he needs help beating the RB
"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"
so he wants it to succeed more
like 10/10 instead of 8/10 times
"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"
Not a surprise
It’s not his area of play.
The only sacks he got, it seems to me, were when he just shot through the C and G off the snap.
thats the ILB blitz isn't it?
"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"
LOL I don't think people are hearing you.
louder maybe
thats the ILB blitz isn’t it?
perhaps softer
If you wan the ILB to blitz, the DTs need to make a hole
Scheme
the 49ers offensive and defensive schemes need to improve over training camp. By improve, I mean that the players need to start executing at a better rate. But, that is what the preseason is for. If the 49ers are able to buy into the scheme and play up to their level, there is no reason to believe that this team cannot win 10 games in 2011.
They have the talent to do so, and need to have the scheme to match each players specific talent. If you are able to get the ball to Gore, Davis, Walker, Crabtree, Edwards and Morgan in the open field, the results are going to be great.
Additionally, the defensive scheme is going to best utilize each players specific strength. Whitner will be able to play in the box and act like a another linebacker most of the time. Rogers is a better cover corner than Clements, so you are not going to have to move people over to that side for help a lot. Willis being utilized in the pass blitz more is going to help Aldon Smith get freed up around the end because teams wont be able to zero in on him.
10-6 is not out of the question
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 2:48 PM PDT reply actions
ESPN, what a bunch of idiots..
Don’t they realize that Alex Smith is their starting QB…oh…wait a second…never-mind..
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
I was watching the Cards game in week 17 on NFL rewind and Alex was incredible.
Even his checkdowns were good, great decisions and tight throws. I expect to see more of that next year. The TD pass to Ginn was a thing of beauty.
Mark Malone
Had a good game once too..
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
Great game, but I still picture his inability to complete a 7-10 yard out to move the chains and run the clock. As much as I want to think he’ll be better this year, he doesn’t seem to be able to make some simple throws with any consistency.
They aren't simple when you're getting pressure as you throw a 3-step drop timing pattern
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Aug 9, 2011 9:43 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I've been watching through the season, and Alex actually does do well consistently when he can have 3 seconds or more in the pocket.
His only inconsistency happens when the pocket collapses. I’m quite serious, watching his play last season has actually inspired me. If we have problems this season, if he plays like he did in 2010, it won’t be his fault. go back and watch his games. almost all his big mistakes were either SLIGHT mistakes that were usually catchable, or throws to crabtree.
Going to disagree there. Half of the pressures are induced by his panic and running or rolling into defenders.
But they're really not.
It’s happened a couple times, but in general the line just breaks down after a second and a half. The couple times I did see him roll into a defender it was because he had pressure from another side.
Still, that was under last year's regime
We’ve had upgrades in QB coaching, offensive personnel, playbook and gameplanning. He will certainly improve but will it be enough to be the QBOTF?
by DeathValleyCarl on Aug 10, 2011 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions
i dont get worked up
either way about it..football can go many different ways on any given Sunday.
That being said, they are starting us about right based on what they see..its better to come up and exceed expectations than what we did last year—-fall on our faces out of the gate.
9ers stay humble and fight in every game and lets see how things shake out!
Yes, under the radar... under water... under ground
To be honest, I have zero expectations. Absolutely no idea how it will all come together this year. Ask me in November.
Bias
ESPN, NFL, etc. obviously are bias. You watch any of their shows and it’’s all New England, Pittsburg, the 2 NY’s, etc. The east seems to be all they know.
In a realistic world the Jets would get a bad off-season grade, but ESPN doesn't seem to see that
They lost Brad Smith and Braylon Edwards, while replacing them with an over the hill receiver (Mason) and one that hasn’t played in years. Damien Woody and Kris Jenkins both retired. They missed out on Nnamdi and had to settle for Cromartie. And, the list goes on…….
But, ESPN is east coast based and has a tremendous amount of bias in regards to their content. Sometimes, it just makes sense to ignore them.
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by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 9, 2011 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Niners have the most talent in the division and it isn't even close
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
Definitely, I don't think anyone disagrees with you,
its just all the question marks. Sando seems to find fault with the idea that we will turn it around THIS YEAR, which I totally get, even if I disagree with him.
If you all would shed your bias aside for a moment.
A team that finished 8-8 and 6-10 in the last 2 seasons cannot be the most talented in the division ‘by far’.
by Fearless Frog on Aug 10, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
The Schedule
It’s a real possibility that the niners are in a bad way if they don’t get a good start to the season. Weeks 1 to 3 are one of the easiest stretches of schedule- and the front half is the easier half.
ESPN is probably looking at the turnover in SF and seeing that the strike shortened off season is cause for a slow start. And it’s not too far out of question, either.
What’s lame about ESPN is that they leverage their rankings too highly on the QB for each team (just read each blurb…mostly QB chatter). The bulk of niner talent is on the offensive side of the ball. Since the media thinks very lowly of alex, they’re fully justified in thinking that the niners will fail to realize that talent.
So…why not rank them at the bottom during the preseason?
I agree
With the turnover in coaching, I don’t see much improvement in the Niners. First year coaches are hard press to perform at a higher level. The fact that the team is lead by the QB, again I don’t see much improvement by Smith. He’ll fall back on his old bad habits, as usual. I wish they would do better than 6-10 but that’s what I see them doing.
yeah
it seems the niners fo are rebuilding the team into a smart, effective group..
That being said, good things take time. I hope other fans share that patience…
theres nothing wrong with another 6-10 season if the niners are building their youth, learning and growing in their system and competing hard every game..
good point on smith and well see..
Being ranked this low is PERFECT
The team will be as good (or not) as it’s going to be based on talent and coaching, and this ranking, like every other, will have no impact on the quality of their play. In fact, the more the rest of the league thinks the ‘niners are an automatic W, the better chance they’ll have of sneaking up on people. Football, more than some sports, is a game where emotion and desire have a tangible impact on the outcome – and if the ‘niners show up on Sundays with a chip on their shoulders, facing teams that assume they suck, that will absolutely play to their advantage. I hope they’re ranked in the bottom five in every newspaper, magazine, website and blog in the country…
Rite were they should be
Just like PATINCE was the keyword durin free agency was new keyword is GEL need to be coached up lots of guys u didn’t pick and hell lots of guys the last 3 or 4 coachin staffs didn’t pick. We need these guys need to build their team. Ok so still with pA tience.as the keyword
by ndsf1994 on Aug 9, 2011 7:11 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
My thinking exactly
mwright84: your insert is like you were a “fly on the wall” in my brain. What I was thinking , you put into words.
If we can stay under the radar until Games 4-5, we got’em. By then the Niners will have discovered and accepted the fact they can play with anybody. And once they do – look out NFL.
Of course these power rankings are useless...but...
considering the niners team last year, and how they are relatively the same team, 26th is not unreasonable.
I can't say we're "under the radar"
In fact, I confidently believe we’re not even on a radar…anywhere. Unless it’s a “contention for Luck” radar. Apologies but I’m not getting my hopes up this year just to be let down game after game. I expect this team to suck and cannot be disappointed if they do.
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