Golden Nuggets: Wake Me On Saturday For Some 49ers-Saints

by James Brady on Jan 13, 2012 2:00 AM PST in 49ers Links

We're a day out from the San Francisco 49ers' first playoff game since 2002. I feel like they haven't even played for over a month, though they only had one week off. I just want it all to happen already - I feel like I've said all there is to say about this game and now all I can do is sit back and see if I'm right. Whether I'm confident or arrogant, I think the 49ers will win the game in impressive fashion. The defense will step up and play very well and Drew Brees will put up yards, but not points. Let's get to the links for the day.

49ers LBs will be the biggest key in stopping Saints; Saints practice report (Examiner.com)

Harbaugh turns down heat in 49ers' kitchen (CSNBayArea.com)

DT McDonald: 'I shuld be ready to go by Saturday' (SFGate.com)

Harbaugh says QB Smith has "between rare and extinct" character traits (SacBee.com)

49ers vs. Saints: scouting zebras (BayAreaSportsGuy.com)

49ers Vs. Saints, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Alex Smith, SF Offense An Unknown Commodity (SB Nation Bay Area)

Turnaround wasn't a surprise to 49ers players (MercuryNews.com)

49ers go into full shut-down mode (CSNBayArea.com)

49ers notes: Ex-Saint Goodwin a "block of granite" on the o-line (SacBee.com)

Rogers good bet to re-up long-term with Niners (ProFootballWeekly.com)

49ers' Willis took a hard road to NFL supremacy (MercuryNews.com)

Saints have advantage in playoff experience (SacBee.com)

Offense Primed For Playoffs (49ers.com)

Being a Sheep

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Comments

The zebra situation definitely scares me.

With the way games are being called today, I wouldn’t at all be surprised if we’re called for roughing the passer or P.I. simply because it’s the Saints.

Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer

by afrikabamboodle on Jan 13, 2012 2:11 AM PST reply actions

It's the high penalty unit from the Thanksgiving game

but it’s always a double edged sword. They call a lot of offensive holds as well.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 13, 2012 5:49 AM PST up reply actions

I'm skeptical on the Carlos Rogers analysis

If he was really the FO’s top priority outside Alex Smith, wouldn’t we have resigned him already? Waiting until the season’s over just drives up his cost.

And if the report is correct, what does it mean for Goldson?

by lousyreeds1 on Jan 13, 2012 2:30 AM PST reply actions

I believe Rogers and Goldsons' agents arent willing to negotiate right now.

They know they can get their man more cash if they wait til the season is over. The only real risk for them waiting is if they sustain an injury during the postseason.

Call me old fashioned but I need to sleep with a girl at least three times before I even consider taking her out to dinner. @BangingHebrew

by BangingHebrew on Jan 13, 2012 8:14 AM PST up reply actions

I think Rogers is going to be gone

Goldson will get franchised. There are basically no safeties out there in free agency or the draft and the 49ers have 3 free agents.

It’s a deep draft for corners, they have some young guys. Don’t see them getting into a bidding war for a 30 year old corner.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 13, 2012 8:50 AM PST up reply actions

Not to sure

I think there is a strong chance some of these guys will be willing to not get as much cash so they can return and play for JH, depending on how we do in the post season of course. A lot these guys haven’t been in the playoffs before, I don’t think they’re gonna throw away the chance to do it on a regular basis so they can cash in somewhere else.

Call me old fashioned but I need to sleep with a girl at least three times before I even consider taking her out to dinner. @BangingHebrew

by BangingHebrew on Jan 13, 2012 8:57 AM PST up reply actions

they pretty much always want as much as they can get

let alone that he’s 30 coming off the best season of his career, he will never have another opportunity to get cash than right now, and he can also use this contract to position himself well in 3-5 years for his last contract. IE, he’ll want to be in a position in 3-4 years where he’s getting paid a lot or he’s getting cut so that he can pursue highest bidder again.

it’s a question of whether the 49ers value them at that. I don’t think they will, Fangio’s defense does not put emphasis on corners, the NFL rules have devalued corners, he’s 30, the draft is deep with corners, they like Culliver.. there are a lot of reasons they won’t be willing to chase Rogers.

Now if he goes out there for offers and doesn’t get offered nearly as much as I think he would ( like Goldson last year ), then the 49ers would be happy to continue paying him what he made this year for a few more years.

I hope that is the case as, while I corners ARE devalued over the course of the regular season they are are EXTREMELY important in the playoffs against teams like the handful of prolific passing offenses that trot out 3 WRs and a WR listed as TE.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 13, 2012 10:34 AM PST up reply actions

while I think*

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 13, 2012 10:35 AM PST up reply actions

Money is nice

But honestly what player is gonna pass up chances at Championships for money? I believe he’d rather make a few million less a year to have a chance at a lombardi. Money is nice but SB rings are better.

Call me old fashioned but I need to sleep with a girl at least three times before I even consider taking her out to dinner. @BangingHebrew

by BangingHebrew on Jan 13, 2012 10:51 AM PST up reply actions

I seem to recall hearing somewhere

that Rogers said he wants to stay. He’s had a huge rebirth here, I could see him sticking around and finishing his career here.

"Cruelty, It’s not giving another person what they want. That’s our mindset on defense, to go out and play with everything we have and not give the other team anything." -Patrick Willis

by 49erLou on Jan 13, 2012 10:39 AM PST up reply actions

I believe I heard that too.

I’d like to think he’d want to finish his career on a team that could be a conteder for a long time rather than make a few extra bucks.

Call me old fashioned but I need to sleep with a girl at least three times before I even consider taking her out to dinner. @BangingHebrew

by BangingHebrew on Jan 13, 2012 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

I don't see it happening that way

I’ll actually be surprised if the franchise tag gets used on anyone.

by smileyman on Jan 13, 2012 11:04 PM PST up reply actions

You don't do negotiations this close to the post season

by smileyman on Jan 13, 2012 11:04 PM PST up reply actions

Some part of me is beginning to wonder if the Saints players will be/are buying into their own hype

That a couple good stops to start the game might go a long way to affecting their mental state the rest of the game.

I worry about the 49ers offense the first two drives. If they might display some nerves. I’m glad this first playoff game gets to be at home so it won’t be loud. Wouldn’t be shocked by a couple 3 and outs to start the game though.

Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder

by whistlingmountain on Jan 13, 2012 6:02 AM PST reply actions

If I may point out respectfully

We were losing to the Lions at the half the Saints dont get rattled as easy as their fans
We have always been a 2nd half team with adjustments made at the half

by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 13, 2012 7:07 AM PST up reply actions

Kind of like how

The LSU players looked lost and confused on the sidelines of that BCS Championship game? I’d love to see that look on the Saints faces as our D stiffles that offense.

Call me old fashioned but I need to sleep with a girl at least three times before I even consider taking her out to dinner. @BangingHebrew

by BangingHebrew on Jan 13, 2012 8:23 AM PST up reply actions

Well , the Last QB to lead the league in passing AND win a championship: Johnny Unitas, 1959 ...!!

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 ...!!

by Edggy on Jan 13, 2012 8:03 AM PST reply actions 1 recs