The Catch III, The Immaculate Redemption, The Dagger: Waiting To Categorize History
by David Fucillo on Jan 17, 2012 7:30 AM PST
in 2012 NFL Playoffs
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PrintIn light of the thrilling nature of Saturday's victory over the New Orleans Saints, 49ers fans and media have been trying to come up with a name for Vernon Davis' catch that secured the victory. We have heard a variety of nicknames and I don't think anything has really settled at this point. The Catch III is easy enough and fits into the history of the team. The Dagger was an interesting one. I believe Vernon Davis has called it The Grab. There is some discussion already going on here about it.
I forget where, but somebody on Twitter suggested the Immaculate Redemption. The NFL has the Immaculate Reception, but the Immaculate Redemption could be a bit more all-encompassing. I have been pushing the Immaculate Redemption in part because I think it is a great description of the final two scoring plays for the 49ers. Alex Smith's rushing touchdown and Vernon Davis' receiving touchdown involved two players who have been through so much during their time in San Francisco and those two drives were sort of redemptive for them. You could argue Vernon Davis had redeemed himself to a certain extent before, but I still think there was a redemptive quality about it.
The question that is also being discussed is where the Davis catch fits in the 49ers postseason pantheon. Matt Loede of 49ers Gab took a crack at ranking the top ten greatest moments in 49ers playoff history. He has The Catch number one, Montana to Taylor number two, and and the Vernon Davis catch number three, one spot ahead of The Catch II.
At this point, it is hard to rank the Vernon Davis play in part because we don't know the end result of this postseason. While TO's great catch remains a great play, I would argue losing to Atlanta the next week took a little bit of the shine off the play. Had the 49ers gone on to win the Super Bowl, I think it becomes a bit more of a pantheon play. Saturday's Vernon Davis catch will be remembered for years to come and was a thrilling play. But if the 49ers were to beat the Giants and then actually win the Super Bowl, I think it becomes a pantheon-level play.
I think that as great as some of the plays on that top ten list were, there is a definite dividing line between plays during Super Bowl runs, and everything else. Maybe it's being a little bit picky given the context of the situation, but I still think it matters when we're talking big picture. It's a topic worthy of discussion, but a certain context is removed without the completed postseason.
What do folks think? Is this pantheon-level material yet, or worth waiting hopefully a few more weeks?
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You know I'm a fan of The Immaculate Redemption
It just works on a lot of layers – Smith, Davis, both TDs, bringing the franchise back to a successful level. I hope the name sticks.
"Lord, beer me strength."
by TexansDC on Jan 17, 2012 7:33 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
It will always be The Catch III to me
no matter what everybody else “agrees” on.
by MattSFfrd on Jan 17, 2012 7:34 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
it felt like so much more than the 3rd of anything to me
"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger
by Jaxson876 on Jan 17, 2012 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
That makes no sense.
The 49ers history is so grand that if you connect anything to it, that should be considered incredible.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
"If you connect anything to it"
Jimmy Raye is connected to 49ers history- can you make that grand?
I see what you are saying, but that play was special. It goes somewhere in the pantheon, but it’s place will be determined in part by what this team does on Sunday, and thereafter…
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:28 PM PST up reply actions
But isn't that strangely fitting?
It’s one of several great Catches, a reminder we’ve been here before.
These names are clever but let's give our newest team of glory their own place in history
I like the Immaculate Redemption and The Catch III, but those names take away from how special this team is: A new 49ers story of glory in an era where the had to go through major toil in the press.
This much-maligned team has worked so hard and I believe they deserve some original nickname focusing on the rejuvenation of our beloved Niners.
I have suggested The Genesis of Alex Smith and the Emotional Reception. They could very well suck, but I am excited to hear something creative and original when the Sports media touts this game through the ages!
The Answer
Someone mentioned this in one of the threads following the game. I can’t remember who it was but I think it’s my favorite.
I'm in love with a man. A man called Harbaugh. Does that make me gay? Am I gay for Harbaugh? You betcha!
by Haggardninja on Jan 17, 2012 7:47 AM PST via mobile reply actions
My Opinion
If we don’t win this week then I don’t think it really matters. It was an AMAZING catch, but if we lose this week would it really matter?
that's why we're not going to lose this week
or the week after that
because no one would be playing the week after that?
Proud member of the "Bring Back Semenov" Club
"The only crying allowed in hockey is when you lose a playoff series, retire or JR is speaking publicly." - Jamie Baker
"You are down with the homies, my friend." - Randy Hahn
Kent Huskins cares.
"Don't fart on my chair mutha fuckah!" - Randy Hahn
"Pavs with great feed but what a release by Wingels Peanut Butter Baby!"" - Jamie Baker
Niners can't lose the Pro Bowl
But they also won’t lose the week after that. If the Niners beat down the Patriots, will ESPN have to edit that Brady 7 movie, so as to not criticize the Niners for passing him up in the draft?
maybe still...
I mean people still talk about The Catch II and the comeback against the Giants even though the 49ers lost the following week in both instances. But I think winning Sunday would change things a bit.
by David Fucillo on Jan 17, 2012 9:06 AM PST up reply actions
Agree
And, perhaps the 49ers will eclipse what they did on Saturday this coming Sunday!
It’s big regardless, but it’s bigger if they win again, and it’s huge if they win two more times in the next three weeks.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:29 PM PST up reply actions
The entire game is the "The Immaculate Redemption" to me
I loved the game, I was/still am in a “shock”, but we need to stop going back to this game. It will all be for nothing if the guys dont step up in EVERY single game after this. this dominance, it needs to continue. Its like we have the 1st part set to make this a masterpiece, we need TWO more games to make it picture perfect. If we loose on Sunday, then it will fall short.
still need to work on third down, we cant continue to have so many 3 and outs… 3rd down is championship down.
I still have dejavu moments, and will continue to have them from this game. This game, was epic, but we need more from the guys and the coaches. It aint over yet!
Remember that Smith and Davis were both declared busts just a short while ago
I think redemption is appropriate, but only to those that remember the Carr chants and ideas to trade Vernon before his breakout season. Patience…
I don't think people called Davis a bust
Merely that he wasn’t playing commensurate with where he was drafted. Bust is a strong term, though it certainly has been applied to Alex.
If you had told me, before the season started, that Alex would throw a dagger into the hearts of the New Orleans Saints to beat them in the post-season as time expired…well, I love the 49ers, but I would have bet you a lot of money, at good odds, that it wasn’t happening.
I’m glad it turned out the way it did.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:31 PM PST up reply actions
The Smash n' Grab
It really was 2 drives and 2 plays that mattered, so fitting to use a word to describe each. Smash being used to describe the 2 massive blocks that freed Alex for his TD run.
I rank this ahead of TO's catch
That felt like the last gasp of a dynasty. This feels like the first breath of one.
by Bigmouth on Jan 17, 2012 8:09 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Well said
It’s like the circumstances of “The Catch” but with the execution and tears of “The Catch II”.
I called it The Catch 3 on facebook seconds after it happened so that’s what I’m going with.
by AptosNinerFan on Jan 17, 2012 9:45 AM PST up reply actions
Like the dagger as read @ the Chronicle...
Alex threw a frozen rope to Vernon that the defense couldn’t adjust too. Also broke the hearts of all Saints fans that there is no more hope in there offensive juggernaut of a team to win the title this year.
As for ranking give it a INC, season is not over yet!!
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
I don't know why I dislike the "Dagger"...
…but I do. Maybe because it was Gwen Knapp who suggested it, lol.
"The Dagger"
is also the call the Green Bay radio guy uses when a Packers game is put on ice. Need something original.
"It's impossible to hide the fire inside" - Bob Seger
haha, I here ya it like Tim Kawakami with me don't like to read to much of his stuff
eventhough he’s coming around past few weeks.
But she’s has a point that throw by Alex broke the hearts of the NFL’s offensive juggernaut named the Saints. Everyone thought that was the hottest team besides the Giants…
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 17, 2012 8:17 AM PST up reply actions
What's your problem with Gwen?
I like the dagger, mostly for the fact that Saints fans legitimately thought they had the game one, then got stabbed in the heart by Alex Smith, of all people…
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:33 PM PST up reply actions
if this years team wins it all
it should move up to number 2.
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
by chris z on Jan 17, 2012 8:20 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Stop trying.
We all know it named itself organically as The Catch III. Just stop trying to be clever.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
how about
“That Time When Alex Smith Threw A Great Pass And Vernon Davis Caught It To Beat The Saints”? We could shorten it to TTWASTAGPAVDCITBTS!
by mcwagner on Jan 17, 2012 8:36 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
lol, would love to see someone try saying it after 6 beers in a bar
hey guys, remeber TTWASTAGPAVDCITBTS!
Pretty sure it’d come out sounding like the tazmanian devil and would result in a fair amount of drool running down the speaker’s face.
TAZ LIKE MAGIC!!!
::spins around spewing beer all over the bar::
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
I don't know if we all know it
Since it’s not being used all that frequently.
by David Fucillo on Jan 17, 2012 9:07 AM PST up reply actions
Well, get to know it.
And I have no idea what you’re talking about. The VAST majority call it The Catch III (check every sports network, for instance). It happened organically for me, that’s for sure. Amidst the moments of jumping and screaming in euphoria, I was screaming to my family “THE CATCH THREE!!!” All the dots connect it to The Catch II. In my opinion if you call it anything else you’re trying too hard.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Disagree
I think the Immaculate Redemption is very clever, and way more descriptive of the circumstances. It was a perfect pass and a perfect catch (immaculate), and it once and for all washed away the taint associated with Alex Smith, and to a lesser degree, VD’s troubled past. This wasn’t just a catch, it was the vindication of years of hardship for both the fans and the players involved.
Just because it’s the first thing that popped into your head doesn’t mean it’s the right name for the play.
by tedler on Jan 17, 2012 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Disagree all you want, but you can put The Catch III in the books.
I want nothing to do with anything Steelers lore. That name is a complete failure for a 49ers play. Clever? Sure. Fitting? Absolutely not. Yes, it was a redemption play, but in a way so were both of the previous “The Catch” plays. You guys are wasting your energy thinking it is anything but The Catch III.
And yes, actually that does mean its the right name of the play. It didn’t pop in my head at random: it named itself by the nature of the play. If The Catch II is justly named, so will be The Catch III.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
also...
The Immaculate Redemption covers both the Davis catch and the Smith run. It’s a bigger picture thing
by David Fucillo on Jan 17, 2012 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
The bigger picture can be left to story telling by coaches, players, and NFL films. The bigger picture will be told. A more descriptive name isn’t necessary. Also, I’m totally with people calling it “The Run” and “The Catch III.”
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
I am more inclined to wait a few weeks and see what happens as I am a superstitious man.
by Chomp On This on Jan 17, 2012 8:29 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
John Elway has the drive (lower case) Montana had THE DRIVE (to beat Cincy in SB XXIII)
Alex Smith has The Drives.
Just a thought
i like Catch 3
Immaculate Redemption sounds like its copying the Franco Harris play. I don’t like the Steelers and don’t want to be reminded of them. something else.
"There was no torture in the end. Only rapture." - Mike Krukow
Flags Fly Forever
"Orlando before Zod" doesn't have the same nice ring to it.
by nostocksjustbonds on Jan 17, 2012 8:35 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
The Vernon Post
that’s the name of the play, apparently.
"There was no torture in the end. Only rapture." - Mike Krukow
Flags Fly Forever
"Orlando before Zod" doesn't have the same nice ring to it.
by nostocksjustbonds on Jan 17, 2012 8:41 AM PST up reply actions
That was Harbaugh being funny
I can assure you the real name of the play is not Vernon Post.
by AptosNinerFan on Jan 17, 2012 9:46 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah
Why on Earth would anyone think its a good idea to SKIP 49ers lore and connect it instead to Steelers lore? Worst idea I’ve ever seen.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Glory Ball
Call it what you will,dagger grab catch111 or thank you it was the highlight of the season.
That’s too close from “Glory Hole”. I don’t know if it means anything to you but in France it’s quite “offensive” (for lack of a better word)
Proud Night Owl from Niners Nation
offensive ??
ok I knows what the glory hole meaning is But think on this The saints fans opened thier mouths wide and we filled it (thats as grafic as Im gonna get )
VD earned the right to call it the Grab
VD named the GRAB let it be he earned it
Dart to Davis
Someone on the Red & Gold wrap called in with that… I noticed they used it in the chronicle the next day too. Yeah it sounds like a play from back in the 50s or something but that makes it even cooler imo. Plus the pass really was a dart… if anyone saw First Take Monday where eric mangini broke down the throw then you know just how small that window was… Alex had to throw it perfectly and he did… he hit the bulls-eye. Dart to Davis is the most fitting name..
I've been waiting for this post
This play needs a name the only other time(s) a team has come from behind in the last 10 seconds of a game with a touchdown were :
The Catch II
The immaculate reception
The music city miracle.
So what to call it?
My thoughts are:
The 11-85 connection – we’ve heard it through the years and it came to fruition in one amazing play.
The Silencer – Alex pulled the trigger, fired the bullet and silenced his doubters.
The Vernon Post – The play call I only don’t like it because it leaves out Smith.
The Shootout – ???
by Franchise55 on Jan 17, 2012 9:48 AM PST via Android app reply actions
Downgrade Catch II
Since TO spent all afternoon trying to lose the game by dropping balls and pouting.
My ideas for names
Montana to Clark = The Catch
Young to Owens= The Catch 2: Redemption
Smith to Davis= The Catch 3: Vindication
I like immaculate redemption
because I get it. but I don’t know that the rest of the league would get it or know what were talking about, unless the media idiots catch on to it and start repeating it whenever the play is talked about.
"Let It Roll"
by To The Bone on Jan 17, 2012 10:05 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Agree with Immaculate Redemption for the reasons you stated
It seems the most accurate, given the multiple plays and players, and the context, and it’s clever.
The Catch Trilogy
9ers have been known for “The Catch” and “The Catch 2” who actualy thinks that anything but “The Catch 3” makes sense. Come on guys.
by SFOpsidian49 on Jan 17, 2012 11:40 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
These plays were their own, and it wasn't even just a catch.
It was two drives, the first culminating in a run TD. The players were different, the stories completely different.
More than that, the “Catch” series was basically ruined by the context of the second one, which ended up marking the end of an era. Saturday’s game might have had a better claim on the “Catch II” if it hadn’t already been taken.
This is something new, and not everything good the Niners do has to have the “Catch” label.
That argument doesn't hold water.
Every game is 60 minutes. A hell of a lot of drama lead to the big moments of The Catch and The Catch II, yet those plays are named for one play. I think you guys are way over-thinking this thing.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Exactly
The Catch III has so much in common with The Catch II that anytime someone suggests anything otherwise I simply roll my eyes. How can people be so picky and whiny? It named itself immediately!
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
The Return of the Jedi.
Kickham where it hurts
by say hey nation on Jan 17, 2012 11:53 AM PST reply actions
Sorry, I mixed up my trilogies.
Kickham where it hurts
by say hey nation on Jan 17, 2012 11:53 AM PST up reply actions
Who caught it better than us??
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:36 PM PST up reply actions
Definitely a fan of Catch III
because of the history of the 49ers.
But Vernon Post hasa nice simple ring to it as well. Everything else reeks of “trying too hard”
lol For me, "Catch III" smacks of "not trying at all"
Just throw it in the Catch Bin with the rest of them!
I just heard
KNBR calling it The Vernon Post.
"Let It Roll"
by To The Bone on Jan 17, 2012 1:04 PM PST via mobile reply actions
the play
That was the actual name of the play, according to Harbaugh.
by David Fucillo on Jan 17, 2012 3:34 PM PST up reply actions
Catch means nil with a loss next week. Big game coming, his catch will be forgotten with no win Sunday!
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
no one else bothered but i will
Catch means nil with a loss next week
That’s just straight BS.
Believe it or not, winning a playoff game after an 8 year drought is a big deal, regardless of whether the team goes to the superbowl. 49ers have established themselves as a good team and a threat that will have to be dealt with next year.
Everyone here wants them to win and everyone hopes that don’t get complacent, but regardless of what happens, that catch help truly turn Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and the 49ers around.
right.... at the very least it makes Alex and Vernon apart of 49ers lore
in fact with Alex’s history here, I can’t think of another situation like this where the outcome of the next game will almost be an afterthought.
Good to know
You are back to your usual cheerful self, and not letting anything like the best end to a Niner game in a decade buoy your spirits at all. Or the fact that we have playoff football again. That’s definitely not anything to get happy about.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 17, 2012 5:37 PM PST up reply actions
Nonsense. It'll be part of 49ers lore forever.
The Catch II still stands today as one of the 49ers greatest moments even though they lost in the divisional round the following week.
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
BS!!!!
That catch will still mean a lot bro. It is already in the history books, trust me. Underdogs at home against a prolific offense that was HOT. 4 scores in 3 minutes, and we get them. This is NEVER going away.
JG
The game itself should be referred to as the Immaculate Redemption
The play at the end was Catch III: Vernon Post
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 17, 2012 1:24 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Not a bad idea
Alex Smith went from "We Want Carr!" to "The Catch 3."
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Regarding Alex Smith doubters: I told you so.
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
i agree
if we dont win the big game, it will not be as special. like someone mentioned. the catch 1 launched the 80’s dynasty. the catch 2 didnt really lead to anything after that. sucks that Hearst got hurt, if not who knows. after this season is done, i think we will be able to judge how special this catch really is.
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
The Grasp of Redemption
just thought of it at work lol
Also amazing
how each big “catch” moment came at 3 different levels of the playoffs…The Catch in the NFC Champ game, The Catch II in the Wild card round, and this one in the Divisional round
First reaction
was the Catch III, because of the history of the first two. Still my favorite! But thinking out of the box, how about The Redemption Game. We have the tuck rule game and the body bag game already. The Redemption Game encompasses the whole game.
I think we should call it:
It's the logo for my favorite band!
by positiveuphemism on Jan 17, 2012 3:22 PM PST reply actions
If Vernon calls it "The Grab,"
then it’s The Grab.
Niners Nation on the Reservation
by kinglouie33 on Jan 17, 2012 7:57 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
The Catch III, it has to be. This is not a coincidence, it was fate...
The Catch I: 3rd and 3
The Catch II: 3rd and 3
The Catch III: 3rd and 3
"It might be time to give Alex some credit, huh?" - Harbaugh
haven't seen anyone else suggest it
but I’m partial to “The Finish.” It’s something this team hasn’t done much before this season, finish the game and I think it’s is broad enough to cover Alex’s run and the Vernon post.
"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
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