49ers Vs. Saints: The Bill Romanowski Approach To Stopping The Saints Offense
by David Fucillo on Jan 13, 2012 7:30 AM PST
in 2012 NFL Playoffs
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PrintAs the 49ers defense get ready for the Saints offense tomorrow, one of the factors that could impact things is how physical the 49ers get with Saints skill players coming off the line. For those that don't recall, when the New England Patriots stunned the St. Louis Rams in 2001, they got extremely physical with the "Greatest Show On Turf." That included popping receivers as they came off the line, and also making sure ball-handlers got tackled hard.
The 49ers will need to avoid any stupid hits that give the Saints free yards, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get as physical as they can within the rules of the game. The Saints offense includes a lot of improvisation, but timing on those deep routes can be so important. I've seen a lot of 49ers defensive players comment on how receivers are still early in their routes when Brees fires the ball. A few well-placed jams at the line can hopefully disrupt that.
Former 49ers linebacker (and guy who was inevitably going to end up with the Raiders) Bill Romanowski took this idea to its logical extreme during an interview with 95.7 The Game:
They [the 49ers defense] got to lay some people out. This has got to be a stretcher game. I'm talking...bring out the stretcher and take [Marques] Colston to the hospital. Take Darren Sproles to the hospital, because he got knocked out.
I don't agree with the specifics Romo suggests, but the basic point remains the same. The 49ers need to get physical on Saturday. Drew Brees needs to feel Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Ahmad Brooks and anybody else who wants to get in on the sack party. Marques Colston simply cannot get off the line untouched.
The most interesting physical battle will be Patrick Willis versus Jimmy Graham. Both are supremely gifted athletes and both are big boys. This matchup and potentially NaVorro Bowman against Darren Sproles are two of the most interesting and also potentially most important matchups of the day. I don't know if the 49ers will have a spy on Sproles, but the 49ers will need every ounce of their athleticism to keep Sproles in front of them. But, a few big hits as he comes out of the backfield might not be the worst thing in the world.
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Spitting in Ones face isn't going to have the full effect that one might have desired ...!!
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 ...!!
you mean JJ Stokes
[only built for cuban linx]
by Mighty Healthy on Jan 13, 2012 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
Ditto
He seems better now, but he was such an ass-
by ColoradoNiner on Jan 13, 2012 9:16 AM PST up reply actions
lol
"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 13, 2012 9:35 AM PST up reply actions
this happens more than we know
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Jan 13, 2012 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
Marshawn Lynch is the only RB that survived 4 quarters against the 49ers defense this season
I don’t think we’ll have to worry about the defense playing “physical”
Agree
But I think even more intentionally physical and aggressive can’t hurt, and is the best way to disrupt the Saints tempo-offense.
Also, the more they can get receivers hearing footsteps in the first half, the more the likelihood of incompletions and turnovers.
If the 49ers win, I would not be surprised if it’s by beating the absolute crap out of the Saints, the same way they did to the Vikings, and Wranglers McDicktext two years back.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 8:59 AM PST up reply actions
Gotta love that link... PAIN!
Thanks Fooch! A little Eye of the Tiger for Alex and Co. too.
Got to play physical with those recievers
Gives the Smiths a few extra seconds to make Brees’ life miserable.
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
CAN IT PLEASE BE SATURDAY NOW
I can’t wait to see P Willy in his first playoff game
"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
and frank
I have a feeling he’s gonna bust it tmrw
"I believe in you guys in the media. I believe that you will find a way to doubt this team. Just as long as what's written is written against us we'll be happy." - Jim Harbaugh
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jan 13, 2012 12:59 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Ronnie Lott..."We got to turn this mother out ! "
“Lay the lumber…break their will” is what Ronnie said on KNBR this morning
That's [decorum]in' awesome
"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 13, 2012 8:19 AM PST up reply actions
9ers should have that song playing in their locker room right before they game...
“We Gotta Turn This Mother Out !”
We can have the funk
As long as we give the Saints the business.
"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 13, 2012 8:31 AM PST up reply actions
Ronnie knows what he's talking about
The dude always believed that a proper hit (a huge one) could change the complexion of an entire game. His hit on Ickey Woods in the Super Bowl certainly suggests that might be true.
I’m looking for a few “statement hits” early and often, by the Niners defense, and I actually wouldn’t be shocked to see our run game go right at them. I want to see Iupati pull, and bulldoze people.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 9:01 AM PST up reply actions
Perhaps along these lines?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVr8NQUS-zQ
I wonder if Harbs is lining up any 49er legends to come address the team on Saturday. I bet Lott would do it in a heartbeat, and he’d be a fantastic choice.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
No doubt about that
It’s just a question of whether he’s on the sidelines, or in the locker room with the team. I think guys like Smith, Willis, and Goldson would LOVE to hear him talk, and tell them how impressed a legend is by what he knows they can accomplish.
Side note: I got to go to the MNF game against the Steelers, and before the game started, watched Young and Rice, who were both there, horse around throwing the ball to each other during pre-game. It made me nostalgic.
I also noticed that Rice caught every single ball, even though a couple were a little off-target.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
Actually
I wouldn’t be shocked if Lott asks for a helmet.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
That would be amazing…I’ll bet Lott can still lay people out.
Niners Nation on the Reservation
by kinglouie33 on Jan 13, 2012 11:47 AM PST up reply actions
It wouldn't surprise me
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 5:28 PM PST up reply actions
Bill is Crazy
"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 13, 2012 8:21 AM PST via mobile reply actions
crazy
or just sayin what we’re all thinking but don’t want to say because we know it’s wrong to hope players get injured . . .
No, truly believe he is crazy
I still want them to knock the crap the out them Saints
"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 13, 2012 8:35 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
He is
But sanity in a linebacker is not a heavily valued commodity, and while he may be a lousy human being, he was a fierce player who has a ton of rings for a reason.
I think you may well be right about his mental state, but that doesn’t mean he’s wrong about how the Niners should approach this game. At the very least, I expect to see a very physical team’s most physical performance of the year.
You know, with a Ph though, cause Harbaugh can spell, and is a better coach than Mike Dropyourpantstary.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 9:04 AM PST up reply actions
I used to think so
and I am not doubting he was borderline insane during his steroid-fueled playing days. Now I think he says these things as hyperbole on a local sports radio station. Most of his talk is rather reasonable analysis.
do the math... I'm liking what I'm reading....
niners points allowed avg. at home is just under 11, saints road points for avg. is 24. saints P.A.avg. on the road is 24.5, and niners home P.F. avg. is 27.6.
Greatest Show on Turf
Things to consider
1) Superbowl 36 was played in the Superdome
2) Patriots D that year was only ranked 24th against the pass (though 6th overall)
Saturday :
1) playing on grass
2) Niners ranked 5th against the pass
Go Niners!
Follow up
These are all great stats & you prove your worth on paper well. We still have to play these games regardless but your points are well taken & understandable to the layman football fan. If your predictions hold up I’ll be all smiles on Saturday afternoon. It’s been a while for SF fans. Especially us ol timers as myself who were around for the glory days & the horrific days also. So go Niners & really prove your worth! Bring home the " Bacon " to SF where it belongs this year. Again I can live with your prediction NinersNinny. Positive thoughts from true fans do help. Lets hear noise the West Bay never has heard previously in Candlestick Park. Give our boys the advantage just as N.O. fans do when we play in their Superdome! Let Brees have a taste of his own medicine! If your not hoarse when you leave Saturday afternoon your effort was sub par helping the boys as their 6th man ( Remember the Seattle fans )! Don’t forget this true fans of SF! We truly need your help!
Saints players given Baseball Bats to symbolize their physical attitude...
they’ll bring into 49ers game.
Saints coming to Beat Us Up!
It's not symbolic
they’ll actually need those bats to stand a chance
Shut down Brees, a true task at hand regardless.
These comments are of no issue as any true football fan would have already seen this philosophy of shutting down the Saints. Just common sense if you think about it. Shutting down Sproles, Graham, Thomas & the forgotten Ingram can be a serious job while eliminating the N.O. passing offensive. No pass rush with pressure leaving Brees no throwing lanes can & will be a key to victory. Cannot make even one mistake. This gives the Saints short field to operate with & this can spell death for the 49ers or anyone for that matter.
Rams beat 'em with constant pressure, 6 sacks
Since then Saints made some adjustments, but I trust our coaching staff discovered a way to hopefully un-nerve Brees.
Bress flys the plane, drives the car….. got to get to him!
Eh, whatever, Romo is an idiot
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the D playing tough and laying big legal hits, but the way Romo is talking, he want’s to see players get injured. I do not wish any injury to any Saints Players at all. I want to see them get the snot kicked out of them, but I want to see them walk off the field, in defeat, under their own power. After watching this physical Niners Defense all year, they have played very, very tough, but they haven’t played dirty at all. I know that players can get injured on a clean leagal hit, but I still don’t want to see that either. The Niners have a decent chance at beating the saints without needed the saints to get injured, that just seems like a cheap victory to me.
I am not concerned about the Niners playing dirty, they have been very, very clean all year long. But, I think that Romo is a idiot, and his comments don’t reflect those of the Niners coaches, players and majority of Fans.
A little perspective
If it’s true that the Saints have handed out baseball bats then maybe you should make a comment about that as well.
"One game at a time. Let's just keep it rolling." Justin Smith
Baseball bats?
I have no idea what you are talking about??
Besides, I don’t care about what the Saints do, as long as they are not “head hunting” or have “bounties” on the Niners and they play clean. The only tears, pain and agony I want to see coming from the Saints players is when they are looking at the scoreboard after the game this Saturday.
Romo is still an idiot. He should stick to sucker punching teammates and ingesting/shooting whatever he has stashed in his “tackle box” of meds.
Just googled "baseball bat" and "saints"
Meh, that is pretty lame. Baseball bats as motivational props, lame.
Baseball bats...
are just so their players have another sport to go out and practice after this weekend!
by ColoradoNiner on Jan 13, 2012 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Well, Saints are hoping to get Kaepernick on the field
Don’t think they dont want to take out Alex.
Saints players handed Baseball Bats from their coaches, so their coaches are stressing for the Saints to Beat Up 49ers.
The problem there is
they are trying to make it a slugfest with a FAR more physical team.
You mess with the bull, you get the horns. Or in this case, The Smiths.
Look for Justin to play absolutely lights-out.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
The head
I think Bill has taken a few to many hits to the head.
Is Bill Still Doin The Roids?
I really liked him as a niner, but I wouldnt recommend him as a role model to young players.
Instead, play hard, but dont play stupid.
Agent Dunham....Walternate testified that in his universe, AleX Smith is a pro-bowl QB for the Saints, and broke Trent Dilfer's season record of 6000 yards passing. Walter....Thats nice, more LSD please.
I'm waiting to see who on the defense is going to step up on Saturday.
I am betting that they all will, not just the Willises, Bowmans, Smiths, and…uh, Smiths. I am waiting to see the “lesser-known” Niners dig down and make the plays down after down.
Niners Nation on the Reservation
Saints will be too busy
constantly digging themselves from starting deep w/in their own territory for their defense to concentrate on what our offense is doing; just ask Roethlisberger…
by Doni S on Jan 13, 2012 2:03 PM PST via mobile reply actions
agreed
I hope the special teams play the game of their lives…heck..I hope the entire team plays the game of their lives and the coaches coach the game and game plan the game of their lives! Victory!!
by Montanagreatest on Jan 13, 2012 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
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