Why The 49ers Are Going to Shock The World Saturday
by Dylan DeSimone on Jan 10, 2012 9:00 AM PST
in 2012 NFL Playoffs
Email
Print
The talk of the town is the New Orleans Saints and that high-flying circus offense they boast. However, I believe a rough and tumble 49er defense will subdue and contain the efforts from Drew Brees and company. After examining the Saints' 2011 regular season schedule, one could convincingly argue that the New Orleans didn't face an elite defense all season.
The Saints are also going to be a long way from dome.
Whether or not Brees believes his team is built to play anywhere, there is clearly a statistical drop-off on the offensive side of the ball when they are on the road, and not on astroturf. Astroturf is widely known in the NFL to favor a speedy pass-first offense; turf the Saints won't have on Saturday. For San Francisco to have an edge, they will have to make the Saints play 49er football at Candlestick. And they can because they are built to--
1. Front Seven
This isn't the leagues' best kept secret anymore; it's become a staple for the team, and a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators to game-plan against. It features two fast, aware All-Pro inside linebackers, an immaculate 3-4 defensive line, and a premier pass rusher. Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Parys Haralson, Larry Grant - all capable blitzers. Smith, especially, will be put in position to harass Brees all day; getting him outside the pocket and uncomfortable. AND, the Saints will have no run game. That includes screens and check-downs that Bowman and Willis can handle.
2. Two Playmaking DB's
The 2010 49ers secondary had a pretty decent contain on Brees last year, not getting lit up. This year's secondary now features a Pro Bowl #1 cornerback and Pro Bowl free safety. If Dashon Goldson and Carlos Rogers have good games by not allowing any gashes deep downfield and helping in run support, it could be advantage 49ers. When these two play well, the guys around them (T. Brown, C. Culliver, D. Whitner) also play well. It's going to take a strong day from the secondary, but they play a disciplined style of football which could get the job done.
3. No Mistakes
This is a bigger deal than most care to notice but it's absolutely true. The 49ers, a once clumsy football club, now pride themselves on not beating themselves - they don't make big clerical errors anymore that cost football games. The Saints always take advantage of the opposing teams mistakes because they are well-coached and understand it's a game of inches. On Saturday, they will be facing a team that doesn't blow defensive assignments, doesn't blow tackles and don't often drop interceptions. The Lions were in much of that playoff loss, but I count at least 3 dropped interceptions by them and numerous missed tackles that led to big plays.
4. Field Position
Thanks to Andy Lee, Blake Castanzo, C.J. Spiller Spillman and Tavares Gooden, the 49ers defense will presumably have pretty good field position for most of the game. The help from special teams will force the Saints to engineer long drives against a bend-but-don't-break defense.
5. +28
I heard sometime mid-season from Jim Harbaugh, talking about something called "Turnover Thursdays," which immediately resonated with me. San Francisco finished first in turnover ratio in 2011 with an astounding +28; a real benchmark for the ball club. In 2010, the team was less disciplined and clumsier with the football. Against New Orleans last year, the 49ers had 4 turnovers to the Saints 0 and still almost won. The 49ers ability to take the ball away and provide opportunities for the offense is essential to victory and advancement in the playoffs.
So for all of these reasons and more, I believe the 49ers have what it takes to again, silence the doubters and advance to the NFC Championship against Green Bay or New York (N). And once more, the Saints have not faced a defense to the caliber of the 49ers this season. In addition to that, they are playing on the road against a hungry team that has one goal in mind.
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
Week 2: Saints @ 49ers - Highlights (via SaintsHeadQuarters)
134 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
In OUR house, In front of OUR fans...
We will witness a 4 quarter Heavyweight Fight… with the winner earning their due R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
49ers got to bring Heavy Fists…lay devastating, hurting blows !
Got to bring their Ronnie Lott “Whooooooo” hits evern snap
Most def on the whoo hits!
The Rams receivers, to a man, admitted that the reason they got shocked in the Super Bowl against the Patriots was that their DB’s and linebackers came out and laid the wood harder than any team they had faced that season.
Maybe I’m being unrealistic here, but which Saints offensive skill player do you think our guys are going to knock out of the game? Generally, it’s running backs, but I would not be surprised to see Meachem or Colston get a knock they don’t get up from too quickly.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 9:59 AM PST up reply actions
We way have the best front seven but I believe the Saints have the best offensive line in the NFL. They have 3 pro-bowler on it for god sakes.
Also, I understand the bit about no run game, but I really think their multitude of weapons will actually allow their run game to open up. Someone’s likely going to have to be on Colston, Meachem, maybe Henderson, and Jimmy Graham. This will probably allow for Sproles to get those dumpoffs he loves won’t it?
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 9:27 AM PST reply actions
No, it won't.
Bowman will smother Sproles. Willis will blanket Graham. Culliver will dope slap Colston around. Rogers will get his hands into the passing lanes. Goldson will tattoo any receiver who dare to catch a ball.
The difference between a logical attitude and a homer attitude...right there....
One person making a logical analysis of the situation and one commenting with his red and gold glasses on.
I haven’t discounted the 49ers once. I have never implied this game will be a cake walk. I have a friend who is a diehard 49ers fan and I have told him the same thing to his face that I am just about to type:
Not many people are discounting the 49ers, but the 49er fans seem to have acquired a swagger that makes them think that they may as well crown their team the champs right now. Maybe its the fact that your team has been that far removed from the playoffs for so long and the impressive turn-around has gotten to your heads. Simply put, you guys can be beat just like we can be beat, you have been beaten exactly the same number of times that we have. You are not going to walk over our team just like we arent going to walk over yours.
I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.
Hey, see that header on the page?
It says “Niners Nation” for a reason.
And speaking of being removed from play-offs, have Saints developed selective memory about the days of the Aint’s ?? We are discussing only the game this Saturday. Let’s talk championship if the Saints ever manage to win a second one.
by Mood_Indigo on Jan 10, 2012 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Good lord
Am I lying in that the Niners havent been in the post season recently? Is that some completely fictitious comment? Is it not possible that the recent success has made you think that your team is invincible? You know who that sounds like to me? The Saints last year when playing the Seahawks.
Please. Point out one area of my comment that you feel is a personal attack or belittling comment other than the title which i think appropriately summarizes the dissimilarities between the two comments?
I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.
lol are you serious?
Is it not possible that the recent success has made you think that your team is invincible?
pot meet kettle..
Maslow's theory of higher needs does not apply to Patrick Willis. He only has two needs: tackling people and finding people to tackle.
Yes I am serious
Where the hell have I said our team is invicible?
I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.
maybe not you personally, but over at CSC
I’ve read more then one post claiming that the Saints are unbeatable.
Maslow's theory of higher needs does not apply to Patrick Willis. He only has two needs: tackling people and finding people to tackle.
and you're right, you haven't said anything of the sort
and honestly you have been one of the more level headed guys posting here, so my comment was unfair to you and I apologize. My issue is more with the folks that are making those comments, as I’m sure your original comment was directed at Niners fans that are doing the same.
Maslow's theory of higher needs does not apply to Patrick Willis. He only has two needs: tackling people and finding people to tackle.
I know a lot of people consider Clutchtree a Saints fan
But I think calling him a homer is a bit unfair. I thought his argument made some sense.
The difference between a logical attitude and a homer attitude…right there….
Over
by cybermaldonado on Jan 10, 2012 5:57 PM PST up reply actions
You're on a Niners blog
Not expecting a degree of overconfidence and homerism is silly.
I think it’s mostly a response to the media, who mostly seem to think that a Saints victory is a foregone conclusion.
by tedler on Jan 10, 2012 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
overreact more
Let people have their fun talking it up…no different than people on your site talking about how your O is unstoppable and Alex Smith sucks. Heck, you guys can’t even answer simple questions in the Ask a Saints thread, but you come here trolling like this was a personal attack?
don’t worry, i’m the 49ers fan who counters the homerism with rampant pessimism for you
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
I believe the second part of that
But do you have any ACTUAL proof that you DO root for the 49ers? I’m not saying you don’t; I’m only saying that I haven’t seen it, and I suspect many others feel the same way.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 10:00 AM PST up reply actions
not feeling confident in the offense all season and not believing that this defense is the greatest of all time and can easily stop the saints powerhouse ≠ not being a fan
maybe you’re confused because most of this board is filled with homers
ill be watching the game at a bar with my 49ers stuff on with other fans cheering for them. hopefully its a very good game, although i still think we’ll lose by a few touchdowns. if we don’t, i’ll gladly recognize how we played
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 10:06 AM PST up reply actions
can you take a picture?
I know this place if full of homers (kind of the point of a team site), and I agree that their view is often distorted by their fandom, as is mine, as is yours by a desire to be “objective” that too often verges into pessimism….
So, if you could provide photographic evidence (ideally of you high-fiving other Niners fans when something awesome has just happened), that would greatly enhance your site credibility.
Also, whoever wins, I see this game being close, and down to the wire. I don’t think either team gets blown out.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 10:11 AM PST up reply actions
blowouts
well, we know we aren’t going to blow them out cause the coaching staff wouldn’t let them if the opportunity presented itself.
Also, whoever wins, I see this game being close, and down to the wire. I don’t think either team gets blown out.
I definitely think it can be close. The problem is I think it can only be close if our defense is on the very top of their game with no mistakes, because a few simple mistakes can become huge for the huge Saints offense
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
I notice that part
was not addressed in the response. It makes me suspect that it is not actually obtainable…
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 3:16 PM PST up reply actions
Your pessimism is a cop-out
If the 49ers lose you get to say “I told you so,” and if we win you sneak back into the throng of frenzied supporters and exult in the victory.
by tedler on Jan 10, 2012 11:30 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs
no, it definitely isn’t.
if we fail (offensively), yes, it will be “i told you so”. my only complaints about the team are offensively. if we do well offensively but our defense fails us then i will complain about the defense and recognize the offense
if we win because of our offense, i will eat the most crow anyone throws here
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 12:14 PM PST up reply actions
That's the problem right there
People have to be saying our offense is awesome for “told you so” to apply. Ive said this a million times: WE KNOW OUR OFFENSE IS IN THE EARLY STAGES AND IS LIMITED. You act like you are bestowing knowledge on us we don’t know.
We know our offense isn’t top notch. We get it. You act like you’re the only one who knows we are limited. Since we all know that, what exactly are you telling us we dont know. That’s why it annoys us when you hate 24/7.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
I think Clutch does cheer for the Niners. Sort of.
He’s the Colin Cowherd of NN. Elite QBs are all that matters. If you dont have one, you won’t win anything.
Wait and see, if we lose, he will try to say “I told you so about Alex”, “Brees is so awesome”, and all that. And it will be said like we were expected to be here in be first place.
Even if we lose Saturday, this season is an epic win for this franchise. The first of Harbaugh’s five year signed tenure to me was never supposed to be this good. Some of us are actually tha kful to be where we are. Cloth can’t do this, regardless of whatever he posts back.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
by Blank x2 on Jan 10, 2012 10:12 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
teams can accomplish great things
with average to mediocre QB’s. It’s just not the norm and can hurt you, particularly in the playoffs, where generally teams with really good QBs have performed the best.
Even if we lose Saturday, this season is an epic win for this franchise. Some of us are actually thankful to be where we are. Cloth can’t do this, regardless of whatever he posts back.
Of course it’s a great season. I fully expected us to be a 4-6 win team at the beginning of the season like I’m sure most did. But the funny thing is it seems like just because we did way better than expected that people for some reason aren’t allowed to be critical of faults on the team
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
If you were "just being critical", we wouldnt say anything.
It is just amazing that you think you are being critical and that’s it. There’s a reason the entire blog wonders when you’ll ever say anything positive about your favorite team.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
This exactly
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 11, 2012 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
+1 n win or lose. This season has been great. This team is,young, and its going to get better from here on out
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
by EcERyda69 on Jan 10, 2012 10:36 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Well assuming willis is busy with graham (very likely)
id think bowman would be assigned to sproles most of the game and while he’s mostly untested in coverage at the NFL level (although he got a little bit more coverage experience when willis was out for those last few games), he’s an amazing tackler and is extremely athletic. Not saying the Saints won’t be a handful, but if there’s a team out there built to match up to them its the niners.
by ninernation_rules on Jan 10, 2012 9:37 AM PST up reply actions
Bowman
The fact that he tracked down and dropped Vick a few times early on this season give me confidence that he check check Sproles and hopefully snuff out those swing passes and dump offs
by What you talking bout Willis on Jan 10, 2012 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
Indeed
The first time it happened, when Vick got up, you saw him kind of do a double take when he realized who had caught him from behind.
Bowman is looking like the real deal, and if he can get his coverage up to snuff, our defense is going the ridiculous.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 11, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions
Their O Line vs our pressure will be fun to watch
If we can’t get consistent pressure and make Brees uncomfortable then we’ll end up getting beat down like everyone else. No secondary can cover forever and giving Brees a lot of time is a recipe for disaster. Lord Fangio may need to blitz more than he likes this game. That’s especially true if the refs are allowing holding calls to be overlooked like the Lions game (not saying it was cheating, the Saints just played the way the game was being called).
"We ask no quarter, we give no quarter" - Jim Harbaugh
Not facing really any top tier defenses probably makes their offensive line a lot better than they are
hence making them “pro bowlers” this year
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 9:53 AM PST up reply actions
I don't think we faced this potent an offense though
I put GB, NE and NO as the best offenses in the league. We can try and use numbers all we want to show why they suck and we rule and they can do the same in reverse. I don’t care about the fact that they have three pro bowlers, pro bowl is overrated nowadays. I just worry if our usual concept of rushing four and getting pressure will work. Pro bowl may be a little bit of a sham but there’s no doubting they have a great O line.
"We ask no quarter, we give no quarter" - Jim Harbaugh
i agree that fangio should be ready
to be flexible if need be and have some blitz packages available but they should not change anything unless they have to. Start the game out only rushing four with minimal blitzes here and there, if thats not working then start bringing the house in the second half. I realize they have an amazing O line, but we have to play to our strengths, if that doesn’t work then go to plan B
by ninernation_rules on Jan 10, 2012 10:05 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed.
If we can’t get pressure on Brees there is no way we win this game. When we played Baltimore the same thing happened. Flacco had all day to throw and it cost us the game. Well, that and not protecting Alex. Both are huge elements to winning against the Saints.
"The year we beat Miami in the Super Bowl, ... do you know how many defensive linemen were in our rotation? Nine, and we used them all quite a bit. We just wore the Dolphins out."
Bill Walsh quote
by Iupati_like_its_1999 on Jan 10, 2012 10:35 AM PST up reply actions
We can try and use numbers all we want to show why they suck and we rule and they can do the same in reverse
that’s something that most fanbases tend to do though.
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Well the Eagles and Giants would qualify
Lesean Mccoy would be leading the NFL in rushing if he hadn’t of been hurt the last couple of games, plus throw in Vick w/ Maclin and Jackson, and Eli was like 67 yards away from 5000 yards passing (and they typically have a really good rushing attack). So their offenses are potent as well, maybe more balanced, but potent.
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
We'll be in our Nickel Package all game!!!
Daring them to run…
4 DL’s McDonald, Ice, Justin, Aldon
2 LB’s P-Willy, Bowman
5 DB’s Carlos, Brown, Cully, Goldson, Reggie
As long as our front 4 can get pressure i see us staying in this most of the game
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 10, 2012 10:14 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
oopppsss
Whitner instead of Reggie
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 10, 2012 10:25 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
it's brooks on the end instead of ice in the middle
with ray and justin in the middle at DT. that’s our nickle
Lord Fangio is angry with you
you’ve unleashed his secret nickel package, he was hoping the saints would game plan Ahmed, Ray, Justin, and Aldon.
THIS
We gotta watch those screens. We got gashed by the Lions on those dump offs to their running backs.
There’s gonna be a lot to contain. Our defense will have to play lights out in all areas. If we do we can dominate. Mistakes against the Saints equals touchdowns. That is our main problem. We give up more than our fair share of big plays over the top, as well. That Cardinals loss was ridiculous. Bad tackling and bad coverage (mind you, on Fitzgerald – but still).
The motto for the week needs to be “Don’t give them anything.”
Alex Smith Will Win a Superbowl
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alex-Smith-Will-Win-a-Superbowl/205058042848290
The only thing Niners have to fear is going into the game wound too tight
That used to be Sing’s specialty. Harbaugh should take care of the mental side of the game. This is the biggest game in the careers of many players on whom the team has to lean on to win.
Niners need to go in loose yet hungry, focused yet relaxed, and most of all, have fun on defense beating up on these ballerinas. Disrupt and cause mayhem. The character of a team changes once it takes a physical battering in the first quarter. Niners will have to play nickel most of the game, and there will be not much blitzing. It’s time for Mr. and Mr. Smith.
On offense, I’m looking for fresh run plays to the outside and well-executed screens. I’m looking for Alex to roll out and hit Crabtree and Ginn on crossing patterns for large gains.
I bet Sproles breaks one TD and Brees connects deep once. If we can limit them to 2 TDs and some FGs, we probably win. If Alex and the O has a good day in the RZ, we can live with 3 TD and a couple FG.
I think Alex will be solid, but
I think it’s going to be more “if Frank and the O Line have a good day.” We’ve been putting up decent rushing numbers all season, but Frank really hasn’t had a big game lately, and our O Line push in the redzone has been mostly non-existent all season. I think we go as they go, so long as Alex keeps to form and doesn’t throw any picks (I’ll spot him one). The running game and long sustained scoring drives are what will beat Brees by keeping him off the field. But we need some TD’s in the redzone, you’re absolutely right on that point.
WWJHD?
Partially
Just as important, we have to make them pay for blitzing. Quick hot reads to VD and Kyle Williams, and let them catch if for 6, and run for 30.
And, put Brees on his back. A lot.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
The defense of Graham.
I feel like this will be a key to the game. If the Niners use Willis to cover Graham, the saints are going to attack him, as well as roll Sproles out in the passing game.
If the Niners focus Donte Whitner on covering the TE, I would expect better results for the niners overall. Whitner’s physical enough and fast enough to stay with Graham – and the defense would be better served to have 52 and 53 freed up to shut down the plays coming out of the backfield.
Agree - need to blitz more
You can beat the Clevelands of the world with consistent play but Brees is unworldly. Have to knock him down a couple times. Every QB has a switch in the back of his brain that speeds up his tempo a hundredth of a second for each bashing. We see it all the time & for much of his pro career Alex had that switch twitching like a wounded animal.
It’s high risk but this is a one-shot & done.
shocking the world
this is an overstatement. It is reasonable that we are slight underdogs, but the niners aren’t like some retarded step child that is trying to pull off a miracle.
To some of the posters on here
Thats EXACTLY what it seems like.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
by Blank x2 on Jan 10, 2012 10:15 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I actually think the reference
is to the national persepective on the niners. Most on here think getting to the SB this year is as certain as the sun setting.
lol i don't think most would think getting to the SB is certain
The only thing that is certain is that the AFC will either be the Pats or Ravens. I think the NFC representative could realistically be any of the four remaining teams.
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
So
Being confident in the team’s ability to beat the Saints = being certain of going to the SB. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
Let me rephrase my original response
Most on here think getting to the SB this year is as certain as the sun setting.
That isn’t what I’ve read around here at all. Most of what I’ve read is confidence in the defense’s ability to slow the Saints down in SF. If this game was in New Orleans I know I personally would feel much differently about it, I’d wager others as well. But show me where people are saying “Bring on New England!” or “HarBowl here we come!”
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
really?
Most on here think getting to the SB this year is as certain as the sun setting.
Most people like their chances and like what the team brings to the table, but this is an exaggeration.
by David Fucillo on Jan 10, 2012 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
People saying its possible
Isnt close to saying its a certainty. I’d like to kow who on here that’s a regular poster thinks its a sure thing we play in the super bowl.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
umm...
we weren’t supposed to be here. We havent been in the playoffs for like 10 years. So yeah, to most of us, this is shocking the world. People who put money on betting will most likely not pick the 49ers to win. If we can make it to the NFCCG then we will have officially have become the Cinderella story of this season. No offseason to prepare, completely new coaching staff and playbooks on offense and defense, keeping Alex no matter what the fan base or even the owner wanted, that’s a Cinderella story if I ever heard one.
"The year we beat Miami in the Super Bowl, ... do you know how many defensive linemen were in our rotation? Nine, and we used them all quite a bit. We just wore the Dolphins out."
Bill Walsh quote
by Iupati_like_its_1999 on Jan 10, 2012 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
Exactly.
Nobody from the start of the season has been screaming “Super Bowl” or bust.
I’m like you, I’m just happy to be where ever we finish. And I know that this is the first year of the Harbaugh era. It’s going to get better, some don’t have to over expect this year. In year four of HarCoach’s tenure, maybe it’ll be different. But for now, I’m just glad we are as good as we are with new coaching and no offseason.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
Negativity
Niners have been pretty lucky with the TOs this year. Some of that is obviously skill but mostly luck. NO fumbled the ball six times all year and fumbled twice in the first half against Detroit. I fear that there could some bad bounces that result in the Saints going up 14.
Our secondary can be overly aggressive at times. That is really bad against a QB like Brees. The Rams game showed some flaws in that secondary.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
and I'm one to think
counting on sustaining this season’s tremendous TO ratio when it gets to the playoffs against better teams is not wise. Take out a substantial plus TO margin, and not playing a sophisticated air attack like this one, can spell doom. If the niners don’t get a pass rush, Brees will get his. And then, if that’s the case, it’s a matter of how bold the Niners O asserts itself.
NO relied on their turnover margin when they won their SB, why can't the Niners? lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
The problem is that the Niners have a much less margin for error. With a limited offense, defenses and ST cannot make even an average amount of mistakes.
NO, NE, and the Packers can go down 21 points and still win the game.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
Well you can use that in reverse then
Without those teams offenses playing almost perfect football, they wouldn’t be able to win either. Works both ways.
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
Also, I don't think the Niners "rely" on the turnover ratio as much as it comes naturally from how they play.
Hard hitting, great tackling, good pressure, and finishing INT’s when the ball hits their hands.
by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 10, 2012 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
TO ratio is an effect, not the cause.
Niners rely on playing solid football. Not on having turnovers. Solid football results in turnovers.
Our secondary can be overly aggressive at times. That is really bad against a QB like Brees. The Rams game showed some flaws in that secondary.
I bet at least a few times Goldson will go for a KO hit, miss, and give up a big gain or a TD
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on Jan 10, 2012 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
maybe
although I think he kinda learned his lesson after that fitzgerald play where we tried to go up for the jump ball. can’t imagine harbs didn’t chew him out for not going for the easy hit.
It's about the team, the team, and the TEAM!
Except
Goldson did it again a couple games later and also excessive celebration.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
Goldson
I think he’ll have one blown play that turns into a big gain for the saints and one stupid penalty. Other than that, think he’ll have a good day. Goldson always came out strong for MNF, expecting the same Goldson to come out for a big playoff game.
watching that highlight reel is painful
having watched that highlight reel (2010 saints 9ers week2) I’m just glad we’re no longer “that team” all those heartbreaking mistakes that cost the game. Even so that game looked pretty close, and we’re a MUCH better team then we were then. Heres to a exciting game saturday and mistake free ball for the 9ers!
It's about the team, the team, and the TEAM!
Did not watch
There is no point in watching that highligh package. Both the Saints and Niners are very different teams now versus then. NO has taken their offense to new leves are I think that we all agree that the Niners are quite different (cough cough WAY BETTER)
by What you talking bout Willis on Jan 10, 2012 3:09 PM PST up reply actions
Did not watch either
I can’t get the nightmare of Baas snap out of my head. I’ve managed to forget most of the rest of it, the good with the bad. Something about Alex executing the 2 minute drill too well and then Manusky defense bending and breaking right on queue.
I think the running game will be huge.
I believe that Gore and Hunter can gash the Saints’ D for big gains. Also, and I have zero evidence to this, but I have a feeling Harbaugh has some tricks up his sleeve for the redzone we haven’t seen in the regular season.
On the other side, getting them off the field on third down and holding them to FGs in the redzone is it. Do it and win, or don’t do it and lose. A lot has been made of the Saints’ home/road numbers, but here’s a big one: TD percentage in the redzone. At home, it’s an absurd 69.39%. On the road, that number drops to just 43.75%. That’s regular-season 49er territory.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
Also
The Saints’ D was 31st in the league in defensive redzone TD percentage. If the Niners can’t punch it in on these guys, they don’t deserve to win.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
big key to getting off the field on 3rd down will be shadowing Sproles out of the backfield
New Orleans loves running the receivers deep on 3d down to open up the flat for Sproles.
"Aaaaaaaal Apalachicola"
when did we pick up CJ Spiller?
I’m as homerish as the next fan on here – but this is quite the homer-post
"Aaaaaaaal Apalachicola"
what's wrong with being a homer every once in awhile?
Maslow's theory of higher needs does not apply to Patrick Willis. He only has two needs: tackling people and finding people to tackle.
can't win
There are complaints when there aren’t enough “homer” posts and there are complaints when one pops up.
by David Fucillo on Jan 10, 2012 11:54 AM PST up reply actions
homer!
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 12:14 PM PST up reply actions
and hater...
All at once. I now understand the tweets Tim Kawakami gets on a daily basis.
by David Fucillo on Jan 10, 2012 12:40 PM PST up reply actions
I can't believe
You used “understand” and “Kawakami” in a sentence together. LoL
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
If we lose it will be because of Dashon Goldson
Our offense will be lead by Gore and Kyle Williams
Darren Sporles will have a nice game (160 total yards rec/run/kr)
I am hoping that
the niners make the Saints drive down the field…more chances for TOs and less reliance on the offense. The front 7 can keep up with Sproles and the running game.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
Actually, I expect Sproles to be out with diarrhea
He is going to S*-! himself when he realized Bowman and Willis are as fast as he is.
Seriously though, I think we hold him under a hundred combined.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 10, 2012 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Niners’ only real hiccup has been against Lynch who is the complete opposite of Sproles.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
and that was without Willis. Grant did a great job, but willis would not have missed that tackle to keep him out of the endzone.
Grant did not do a great job
He specifically blew the tackle on Lynch’s TD, missed a tackle on a long run and was hesitant a lot of plays that game.
We have have one of the best, if not the best, inside tandem
The inside running lanes can be considered shut down. Running off the left tackle? Cowboy sez NO. If they run right, they have two big hitting safeties to worry about, not to mention the two ILBs ready to crack them back into the 80s.
It’s a safe bet that Brees is throwing at least 45 passes next week. As for Sproles, he does very well in the flats, which could be a concern if its Haralson covering, or if they pull down Rogers to cover flats, while Devery or Marques dart down the sideline opposed only by Whitner or Dashon. I’m horribly afraid of their passing game (not like it was the most prolific passing game in NFL history.. was it?)
"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers
by TryAndCatchVD on Jan 10, 2012 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Basically
you need the secondary to keep everything in front of them and allow the pass rush to get to Brees.
The Golden Bear is ever watching
2011 Giants Adoptee: Orlando Cabrera (because everyone needs to be loved)
San Francisco Giants Won the 2010 World Series: Not a Typo
Just one small comment
Let’s not forget that Darren Sproles is quick, shifty, hard to see between the lines, and above all, not afraid of contact.
I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.
For the most part
RBs who are smaller, quicker, and shifty haven’t given us too much trouble.
Returns and maybe a screen will scare us, but for the most part I think we are confident Sproles won’t do much rushing the ball.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
Probably not
And that video was a screen. It is what Sproles does best in my opinion. Just pointing out that Mighty Mouse doesn’t avoid the tackles.
I like Hamburgers!
Uh oh...better put an Asterisk on it.
Sproles
I have always felt that he is MUCH tougher than people give him credit for. He plays with leverage when he needs to. Just beacuse he is quick and smart enough to not take the big hits does not mean that he isnt capable of getting the so called tough yards. But the Saints don’t ask him to get those yards. They use him perfectly and he will no question be one of the keys to the game.
If he is moving the chains on 2nd and 6 or 3rd and semi long (Thats what she said) that is bad news for the boys in Red and Gold.
by What you talking bout Willis on Jan 10, 2012 3:13 PM PST up reply actions
I'm so INCREDIBLY JACKED for this game
I’ve been a Niners fan since birth, and picked up a second shift as a Saints fan while I was in college in New Orleans (back when they were still the ’Aints), so this game is going to both a horrible bloodbath and a joy to watch
"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers
going to *be* both...
"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers
by TryAndCatchVD on Jan 10, 2012 11:02 AM PST up reply actions
Saints running game is sixth in the league
I get that the Saints havn’t faced a defense like niners this year, but not so sure niner defense has faced an offense like New Orleans either. It could largely even out. It seems odd that noone thinks your QB will have to have a great game. A lot of playoff games boil down to quarterbacks.
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds" -Bob Marley
by PanheadCatahoula on Jan 10, 2012 12:05 PM PST reply actions
It seems odd that no one thinks your QB will have to have a great game
You’re basically saying nobody is being unreasonable.
well...
given the Saints questionable defense, I don’t think it’s entirely unreasonable to think Alex Smith could have a great game. Not saying he will but it is not an unreasonable belief.
by David Fucillo on Jan 10, 2012 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
I laughed. Took it as a joke. Easier to get along that way.
Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh
by Virginia9er on Jan 10, 2012 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Shock the world? No.
Shock the ignorant? Yes.
by musamonster on Jan 10, 2012 1:15 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
new Orleans played the texans this year
They had the #2 defense
After Further Review.........
The Bears Still Suck
by smackwaterjack on Jan 10, 2012 2:37 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Niners played the Rams Twice this year and they weren't the # Two Defense ..!!
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 ...!!
Texan Defense
1) Early in the Year
2) Texans probably have a Top 10 defense but had unbelievably easy schedule which pushed their ranking higher.
In fairness
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/1299408-nfl-strength-of-schedule-after-week-17-2011
Niner’s, Texan’s and Saint’s schedules are pretty comparable
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Niners Nation
Related FanShots on Niners Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
