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Happy Hour With Harbaugh: 49ers Playoff Edition

The San Francisco 49ers got back home late last night following their win over the St. Louis Rams. The team was a little banged up in the game, but for the most part not too much the worse for wear considering the team now has a first round bye to rest up and get ready.

Coach Harbaugh will chat with the press at noon today and we've got the live online stream posted after the jump. He will get plenty of injury related questions. It sounds like Kyle Williams is on track to be cleared to return to practice later this week. There is no word on Ted Ginn yet, so maybe we can get an update on that. Delanie Walker is supposed to be reassessed sometime this week as well.

One topic that might come up is the news that Greg Roman reportedly interviewed for the Penn State coaching job a month ago and recently chatted with PSU again. I don't imagine Coach Harbaugh will have a lot to say on the topic, but I would think he will be asked about it.

Other than that, I'd imagine he will be asked how the team plans to prepare this week while waiting to figure out their next opponent. They can't put all their eggs in the New Orleans basket, but I would be pretty surprised if the Lions upset the Saints. Anything can happen in a given week, but heading into the Superdome to spring an upset is a tall task given how the Saints offense is rolling at home lately. I'd imagine they'll consider a lot of film, but I imagine they will have some folks focusing a little bit more on the Saints. The good news is they have played two of the three possible opponents (Saints, Giants), so that could ease things up a bit.

You can view the press conference starting at noon pacific via live stream after the jump, at 49ers.com or CSNBayArea.com.

Star-divide

Jim Harbaugh Press Conference

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Waste...

Hastings = non factor
Swain = why is he still on the team?

by Ricans love football too on Jan 2, 2012 11:49 AM PST reply actions  

Also off-topic, but can't find anywhere else to post this question ...

I DVR’d the game and was too late to post this in the game threads and get a response. :(

Culliver’s unsportsmanlike penalty in the fourth quarter: What was wrong with that tackle? He appeared to me to cleanly stop the other player’s forward progress, and took him to the ground. Too close to a body slam in the no-fun-league maybe?

I realize I’m likely overlooking something, can anyone elucidate?

Followup question; maybe for Fooch: Is there an appropriate spot on the site to pose quick non-controversial questions seeking informational answers? Sort of a niner’s specific AnswerBag or Yahoo-Answers facility? If not, perhaps add this to the site’s feature-request list; thanks

Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young

by OffensiveInterference on Jan 2, 2012 4:42 PM PST up reply actions  

interesting

Culliver: I think because he picked him up and sort of slammed the guy down. I’d say too close for the no fun league.

Mailbag: We don’t have it, but I’m open to something like that. Do you use twitter at all? That’s one way to get information. But maybe I can come up with a FanPost we use for that. What question did you have?

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 4:46 PM PST up reply actions  

Thanks for the reply Fooch

Just the question above for an example, but there have been others along a similar line that have come up and usually just died a quiet death since I usually try to avold sidetracking a thread. The questions are usually fairly inconsequential, and are quick hit types of issues not worth the more in-depth treatment of other features. I don’t use twitter, although 140 characters would likely suit such questions/answers.

Setting up such a fan-expert feature for NN is likely way to expensive in terms of development, but maybe SBNation would be interested in developing such a feature to be shared across all the web-sites.

Have a happy PLAYOFFS! new year.

Today's Justin Smith :: Yesterday's Bryant Young

by OffensiveInterference on Jan 2, 2012 5:33 PM PST up reply actions  

its nice to have a 4th and 5th string WR...

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

Magic number For bye week (1 for Saints) For NFC West division title 0 (NFC WEST CHAMPIONS) worst seed possible (3rd seed)

by manraj7 on Jan 2, 2012 3:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Won't be horribly sad if Roman leaves for PSU.

We need a better play caller anyway… pretty sure the playbook would virtually be the same, so it wouldn’t really hinder Alex too much, if at all.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 11:51 AM PST reply actions  

If I remember Jim harbaugh is the man on our offense

to call most of the shots and Vic Fangio would be the man we need to protect.

"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton

by Nelow on Jan 2, 2012 11:53 AM PST up reply actions  

I think Harbaugh

decides pass/run lots of the time.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

yeah

at stanford he basically had a passing coordinator and a running coordinator

by Andrew9erfan on Jan 2, 2012 6:58 PM PST up reply actions  

He's not going

They want Bill O’Brien (Pats OC)

by FearTheTree on Jan 2, 2012 11:55 AM PST up reply actions  

Not again...He will bring in a different playbook

They need to keep continuity going.

"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 2, 2012 12:00 PM PST up reply actions  

David Shaw?

Dude would be an upgrade over Roman

by FearTheTree on Jan 2, 2012 12:05 PM PST up reply actions  

He is gonna get fired?

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman

Magic number For bye week (1 for Saints) For NFC West division title 0 (NFC WEST CHAMPIONS) worst seed possible (3rd seed)

by manraj7 on Jan 2, 2012 4:10 PM PST up reply actions  

We definitely need to keep the same playbook.

I wonder how Geep Chryst would be?

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 12:50 PM PST up reply actions  

his brother Paul Chryst runs almost the identical offense in Wisconsin

now headed for HC of Pittsburgh though

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 2, 2012 12:54 PM PST up reply actions  

and yet

Alex Smith is having the best season of his career! I wonder if a more aggressive play caller (if harbaugh would even allow that) would allow Smith to hit the next level or if it would further expose Smith’s shortcomings?

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

would even allow that?

Seems to me he’ll allow what he thinks is the best option for the 49ers to win. If that means more aggressive, so be it. it that means not so aggressive, so be it.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:14 PM PST up reply actions  

he has chosen to be ultra-conservative in situations

where coaches with Jim Druckenmiller as their QB would pass the ball and make sincere attempts to get first downs/not settle for FGs etc.. Either Harbaugh doesn’t think much of Smith (AT ALL) or Harbaugh is intrinsically conservative.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:17 PM PST up reply actions  

I think he's conservative

I think your use of “sincere” is a little questionable. Even though Andrew Luck put up good numbers at Stanford under Harbaugh, the team was very much built around the power rushing attack.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:19 PM PST up reply actions  

that's what I'm saying

I would argue he is intrinsically conservative (to a fault, assuming the premise that he’s not compensating heavility for Smith’s weaknesses…) because on numerous occasions my jaw hits the floor at how easily he settles…the 3rd and goal form the 13 against Seattle, along with declining the penalty and taking the FG against Dallas come to mind as salient examples.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:22 PM PST up reply actions  

declining the penalty

I think he learned from that situation. In a similar later situation he took the penalty.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:23 PM PST up reply actions  

but I agree

Sometimes it seems overly conservative, but I also think he has sufficient faith in his defense that he is not looking to take unnecessary risks.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:23 PM PST up reply actions  

I his faith in the D is a big factor

I just think, when on offense, you have more control as the aggressor to dictate outcomes. ON defense, no matter how good, you are reacting to the offense, and I never ever understood the willingness to incessantly give opponenents opportunities late in the game to have the last possession(s) within one score. Sure, the reason we are 13-3 is because the D has withheld the last minute drive. Some of that is because the niners are good, and some of that is because the offenses they faced aren’t highly capable of exploiting defenses with the pass and 4 downs to work with. But good teams with 4 downs to work with are more likely to burn you that way.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:27 PM PST up reply actions  

passing D

I am curious how the 49ers handle the Saints passing D if they do meet up. They faced dynamic passing offenses against Detroit, NYG, Philly, and Pittsburgh. They gave up a lot of passing yards but it was mostly between the 20s before locking down in the red zone.

I understand what you mean by the offense being able to dictate, but with special teams and the defense flipping field position so quickly, they do sort of dictate to some extent.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:29 PM PST up reply actions  

I think the whole reasoning for

playing Ultra-conservative so as to minimze mistakes/turnovers is hogwash. Taking that to its logical end, you can rationalize almost any form of conservatice playcalling.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:35 PM PST up reply actions  

ultra-conservative

The thing is that this team is not “ultra-conservative” as a whole. Yes, on specific plays they do play ultra-conservative. But, they have shown aggression enough times that I would say it is not quite as conservative on the whole as you seem to think. At most I would simply say there is mis-timed conservative play-calling.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:46 PM PST up reply actions  

But its working.

And if you look at teams with positive turnover ratios, their records are almost always quite good. There is something to be said about coming away with 3 points and not 0. The team is in the middle of the pack scoring wise so I don’t think they are hurt by the playcalling as much as people tend to believe. I also side with Fooch in that I don’t believe they are as conservative as some people think.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 2, 2012 12:54 PM PST up reply actions  

You know what really helps rationalize playcalling?

Winning.

You do that, people will be fine with however you do it. Harbaugh’s done it. It ain’t always been pretty, but it has been successful.

I trust him to know what he’s doing, and that what he’s doing is what’s best for this team.

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 2, 2012 5:20 PM PST up reply actions  

Mentality.

I don’t think it would change the mentality of making “cool-headed decisions” in the passing game. I think that would virtually be the same. Problem I have been noticing is when plays breakdown, the WR options on a given pass play are quitting at the end of their routes.

We also need to draft a 6’4" (or taller) receiving option for the RZ…. someone with mad jumping skills that’s gonna hang on to the passes. There were at least 4 missed TD’s this year from drops in the endzone.

So it’s gotta be a combo of both better play-calling in the RZ, more sure-handed receiving, and WR’s that are gonna help Alex keep plays alive and give him options outside of throwing it away when something breaks down.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 12:54 PM PST up reply actions  

I think it is funny

Because if he threw an int. in the red zone then everybody would be all over him about being more conservative in those situations because of the strong D and ST.

He can’t win against public opinion. If they win a Super Bowl then everything is justified otherwise he is judged as being wrong. It isn’t just him it is the nature of the sport.

Bill Belichick is a genius because he had a kicker that hit all the important kicks. Jason Garrett is an idiot because his kicker missed a couple this year.

The 49ers offense is really good other than about 5-6 important plays a game. Either red zone plays or a 3rd down here and there. The 49ers can win it all this year and be a really dominant team if they can just get a little more out of those 5-6 plays. It might be a little more aggressive (although I disagree) it might be a little better execution, it might be both but it is just a little off. I hope it comes together for three more game this year.

Joe, Jerry, Steve, and....Who is next?

by 16to80fan on Jan 2, 2012 1:11 PM PST up reply actions  

I think Harbaugh recognizes he needs to mainly work on team passing game...

during these two weeks.

Why?

Because it is very clear that the opponents most certainly will stack the line of scrimmage, try to frustrate Gore * run game, thereby forcing Alex to try and beat them with his brains & arm.

The playoffs ALWAYS force the Q.B. to come forward and succeed or fail.

You can’t hide youir Q.B. and therby limit your game plan in the playoffs. You got to shot everything you have, wide open, no holding back!

We Will see what Alex truely has…and Im looking forward to it.

by BigMar on Jan 2, 2012 11:56 AM PST reply actions  

Every team has stacked the box against the 49ers this year

"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 2, 2012 12:01 PM PST up reply actions  

difference being these are Playoff teams....

Of course not matter running or passing the hero’s or goats may come down to how our O-line performs.

I do think that Staley-Iupati-Goodwin-Synder-Davis have been looking better & better by the week.

Goodwin the ONLY O_lineman with playoff intensitry experince, so that concerns me.

by BigMar on Jan 2, 2012 12:06 PM PST up reply actions  

And two of those teams the 49ers have beat already

They went into that game with a plan on having Alex beat them not Gore. It’ll be interesting to see what gameplan Harbs, and Roman has going into the playoffs.

"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 2, 2012 12:11 PM PST up reply actions  

I still think its clear.....

All playoff opponents will first plan to stop Gore, frustrate him, and FORCE Alex to prove his worthyness in a playoff tension, pressure packed enviroment.

Lets not KID ourselves, Alex will have to DO MORE than what he has accomplished during the regular season.

The opponents will FORCE it on Alex…..unless the O-line and Gore simply tear up the opposition. But in any event. Alex HAS to Be Mentally & Physically up for ANYTHING , be smart, play smart….. be don’t HOLD BACK from trying to make plays either!

by BigMar on Jan 2, 2012 12:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Let’s not KID ourselves, teams that make the playoffs are the same teams that played in the regular season.

How did the Rams beat the saints? Steven Jackson ran for three TDs.

by reedkrase on Jan 2, 2012 12:35 PM PST up reply actions  

I wonder how Sean Payton feels

Didnt he give the green light to blitz damn near every down during the pre-season game? Thanks for showing the niners majority of the blitz schemes!

by sundaysfinest on Jan 2, 2012 12:17 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions  

I would blitz damn near every down

against the niners (run blitzes and pass blitzes), play bump n run press coverage, and make them beat me until I was forced to change.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:18 PM PST up reply actions  

I'd counter that by putting Ginn and Williams on the edge and Vernon underneath.

Send the two burners deep every time to beat their slow ass DB’s.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 1:11 PM PST up reply actions  

Then there is also the backdoor darts that can be set up to Gore or Hunter.

Blitzes can be stopped pretty quickly if you know what you are doing. Gregg Williams would be an idiot to blitz every down. Harbs and Roman will most likely expect it. Countering that is not a problem.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 1:15 PM PST up reply actions  

There are all kinds of things you can do to neutralize an overly aggressive blitz.

This is the NFL, not college. And if you think whatever you saw in preseason is an indication of what is going to happen in a “real game” then you completely miss the boat.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 1:18 PM PST up reply actions  

It requires a QB who

can make you pay by either hitting all the quick passes or beating you down the field off man to man, and decent WR as well.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 1:21 PM PST up reply actions  

It's a good thing we have one that HAS made teams pay.

And if Ginn and Williams can out run their DB’s (which they can, both of them) then someone’s gonna get open. Alex throws it up a few times and that’s a 50/50 shot of a score. It happens once, which it would eventually, Gregg Williams is all of the sudden a little more cautious …

What you are claiming you would do is just not reality. That’s the type of mentality that WILL get you burned… probably more than once or twice. In a hostile environment, probably a pretty crappy idea.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 1:23 PM PST up reply actions  

It's worked against Smith quite a bit in the past

He’s never had a knack for beating pressure with positive plays generally, let alone deep, big plays.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 3:07 PM PST up reply actions  

You're wrong...

He did it well in a few games just this year.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 3:17 PM PST up reply actions  

that detroit game's last drive

I remember him making some really tough throws. Detroit didn’t take away the short stuff though.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 3:35 PM PST up reply actions  

Talking about heavy blitzing from the opposition and Smith doing well against it.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 3:58 PM PST up reply actions  

To neutralize it.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 3:59 PM PST up reply actions  

Smith versus blitzes

I’ll try and find his numbers, but against the blitz he’s had solid numbers this year. As of December 8 (don’t have anything more recent), his QB rating against the blitz was 114.1.

I realize QB rating is not the best stat, in part because it doesn’t factor in sacks he takes during blitzes. But I think it’s more of a positive sign.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 4:10 PM PST up reply actions  

I don't think they have the personel to run blitz a ton effectively.

Gore will break off a few big runs of they come from one way and are caught backside. The Niners O-line should be able to lean on them just about all day. I’d also like to see a few screens to Hunter.

Not to mention that the Niners use a lot of motion which limits the effectiveness of bump and run coverage.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 2, 2012 1:19 PM PST up reply actions  

not shocked by this
Colts vice chairman Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian are out in Indianapolis, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

"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 2, 2012 12:18 PM PST reply actions  

so an injury to Manning's neck

cost those guys their job. Talk about ridiculous and intemperate FO moves.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:19 PM PST up reply actions  

FO

Well considering they had zero backup plan and Manning basically covered for some awful draft classes, yes they deserve to lose their jobs.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:20 PM PST up reply actions  

Not really

They deserve it. Look at their drafts. They have drafted almost nobody in recent years.

If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross

by doubleteapot on Jan 2, 2012 12:21 PM PST up reply actions  

they've been really good for quite some time

sure, you need to pick up decent players in the mid rounds, but they are always picking at the bottom of rounds.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:23 PM PST up reply actions  

even still

They have struggled with early round picks. You miss enough, it costs you your job.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:23 PM PST up reply actions  

So do you think they should take Luck?

Or move down a bit, draft another QB who looks good (many do this year), and add some premiere draft picks?

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 2, 2012 5:24 PM PST up reply actions  

Luck...

I think going with Luck is a good player to build around. At the same time, if they get a godfather offer anywhere along the lines of what the Cowboys received for Herschel Walker, they’d be foolish to not at least consider a move down. They have numerous holes and a bunch of high picks would be just as valuable in a rebuilding project.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 5:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Was thinking of the Walker trade

It would be HARD to turn down the sort of bounty Luck might draw, and there are a couple other good signal callers in this draft who might turn into premiere players.

I think Drew has it right below, regarding Manning’s health: Will he never be the same again, or will this season be the blip on twenty season career that ends with him owning every major record worth having?

"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will

by lottwasgangsta on Jan 2, 2012 6:09 PM PST up reply actions  

If I were the new GM, and Manning checks out, I am trading that Luck for more picks.

But the key factor is Manning’s health.

They need a lot of secondary help and help on the ground. Their running backs are horrible. Also, I believe Wayne and Mathis may be on the way out the door.

But a lot of extra picks increases the odds of success and some of those guys panning out.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 5:32 PM PST up reply actions  

I'd also go out and get a true veteran quarterback to back Manning up.

One with tread still left on the tires.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 5:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Picking at the bottom of rounds is not an excuse.

This isn’t the NBA draft. The NFL draft is 7 rounds deep. Even if you draft late, a late first round pick would then be similar to an early second round pick. Sure you miss out on the 20+ prospects that go before you pick in the first round, but after that you have a chance to draft anyone in the rest of the pool.

If you wanted to be really simplistic about it, you could say any good player from the second round onward has been someone the Colts have passed on. At worst your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks turn into effectively 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and late 7th round picks.

by jveezy on Jan 2, 2012 1:11 PM PST up reply actions  

there are good players available in every round. you can’t continually get basically nothing in your drafts

"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 2, 2012 1:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Wow there is a lot of turnover right now

Lots of people getting fired

If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross

by doubleteapot on Jan 2, 2012 12:18 PM PST reply actions  

I know some people like to criticize Greg Roman’s playcalling here, but he and Harbaugh have made a very creative run blocking scheme.

If you're watching a blowout, you can pass the time by counting the double teapots.
Samurai Champloo > Macross

by doubleteapot on Jan 2, 2012 12:20 PM PST reply actions  

Well I'm just glad the coaching staff is doing what they think is best.

And not trying to prove to everyone that they are geniuses a la Mike Martz. The playcalling can be called into question at times, but I think the coaches know what they are doing.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 2, 2012 12:50 PM PST up reply actions  

This.

They use a wide array of runs and I’m interested in seeing how they do no matter who they play. The run game should be able to match up well against any of their round 2 opponents.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 2, 2012 12:47 PM PST up reply actions  

I heard it before

LOL, I guess he watched the broadcast.

by drums7890 on Jan 2, 2012 12:22 PM PST reply actions  

If Im the opposition, I go deep the very first offensive play against 49ers

Why?

If I connect, more than likey a TD or FG gets me up EARLY….and I think that gets 9ers nervious, them trying to play catch up.

If it dont connect, it losens up 9ers run D, because guys wll have play off line of scrimmage.

If im the 9ers, I do the same dang thing above…. it will pu a bit of fear in the opponent, and thats why I hope the 9ers take these two weeks to hone inon their passing game, while fine tuning their run game.

by BigMar on Jan 2, 2012 12:30 PM PST reply actions  

Or its picked off.

And it plays right into the Niners hands. Same thing if Smith puts it up deep. The more the Niners limit OC time of possession and control field position, the better. Putting fear into an opponent is one thing, and I agree to an extent that some shots should be taken down the field. But doing so on the first play could put the team in a bad position to start with, especially against the Saints.

Twitter: @Joshuahss

by Joshuahss on Jan 2, 2012 12:46 PM PST up reply actions  

When has this team gotten nervous ever this season?

Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh

by Virginia9er on Jan 2, 2012 2:20 PM PST up reply actions  

They're mighty men

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 2:49 PM PST up reply actions  

In a way, I think the Niners play better when they're down

The sense of urgency makes them play better, at least against non-killer defenses (Ravens). Look at the Eagle’s game. Look at what happened just yesterday when the Rams scored first- they moved the ball right down the field, and Alex, at the end, made sure the ball got in the endzone. They weren’t going to settle for a field goal on that drive.

When they have the lead is when Roman screws up and gets too conservative with his runs up the middle.

by TortureOpp on Jan 2, 2012 3:28 PM PST up reply actions  

I wonder how much coaches

hate these contrived press conferences? Bill Simmons was right when he said these press segments are a bunch of guys asking the same questions to a guy who gives the same answers. When journalists actually have a cogent, nuanced question, they’re asking a guy who doesn’t want to answer them.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:32 PM PST reply actions  

my favorite question...

When he was asked about the team having a verbal agreement with Alex before the lockout. He might as well have just plugged his ears and screamed “La! La! La! I can’t hear you!” – No way he answers that question in the affirmative without getting in trouble with the league

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 12:33 PM PST up reply actions  

I heard that one just a second ago,

and I actually thought he handled it well. he took it in stride. I’m not so sure he’s lying either. I just think it’s understood that both sides want eachother back and its just a matter of working on the $$$ and the terms.

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 12:36 PM PST up reply actions  

Rookies

Thought they would struggle this year with short off season. It shows a lot about the guys that were already here. Most of the team has been around the losing culture for the past 5 or so years. Big props to them for turning it around, and showing these young guys how to fight and win these tough games in the league.

"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 2, 2012 12:37 PM PST reply actions  

Physically..... I think the lock out helped the rookies & Vets

Prime example…look at Justin Smith, he plays fresh and does not look worn out.

Rookies appear fresh and dont look worn out.

So the normal camps & preason seasons the teams would have had, appears tohave kept the players bodies from excess wear & tear.

Maybe it would be wise not to have so many camps & preseason games..

by BigMar on Jan 2, 2012 1:05 PM PST up reply actions  

I would hardley consider week 1 preseason with no off season qualifies as already playing the Saints

I dont believe either team played their starters more then a series and both teams were trying out schemes and new personel

by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 2, 2012 1:47 PM PST reply actions  

Agreed.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 1:51 PM PST up reply actions  

agreed

I remembered that after I posted it. Brain fart on my part.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2012 1:56 PM PST up reply actions  

Lions can beat the Saints...

They almost did it at Lambeau… in the snow… with wind blowing. I understand homefield advantage in the playoffs and all that, but I don’t believe that the Saints are as invincible as everyone lets on. And if you compare defenses, the edge actually goes to the Lions.

If it winds up in a shootout, I would say that the homefield advantage for the Saints and the Lions better defense washes things out a little bit. 50/50… But I think that the Lions could shock a lot of people the same way that the Seahawks did by beating the Saints last season in the playoffs.

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by Drew Kerr on Jan 2, 2012 2:44 PM PST reply actions  

I think there is a LOT of slightly unrealistic hype around the Saints and Packers

Especially the Saints. Media narratives are shallow.

They are both human teams and beatable.

by TortureOpp on Jan 2, 2012 3:36 PM PST up reply actions  

everybody could beat anybody

these teams aren’t robots…sometimes teams don’t play equally as well/poorly each game…plus random events that effect games…

by salary_cap on Jan 2, 2012 3:40 PM PST up reply actions  

Here's how Teams fared against other play-off Teams ...!!

Green Bay 6-0
Baltimore 6-0
New Orleans 5-1
San Francisco 4-1
Houston 3-2
Pittsburgh 3-4
New England 1-2
Denver 1-3
NY Giants 1-3
Atlanta 1-4
Detroit 1-5
Cincinnati 0-7

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 2, 2012 2:57 PM PST reply actions  

So if this was College it would be ...

… Baltimore 6-0 vs Green Bay 6-0 in the championship game …!!

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 2, 2012 2:59 PM PST up reply actions  

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