Niners That Scare Me
by ArbeeEye on Jan 20, 2012 1:57 PM PST
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PrintHey 49ers fans!
I'm a Giants fan/ blogger looking for some feedback on a recent post in which I highlight the 49ers players that scare me. If you have the time to read it and let me know if my impressions of any of these players are off base, and if there's anyone I left out that I should be worried about, I'd appreciate the feedback. Thanks, and enjoy! Should be a good game.
49ers That Scare Me
http://www.giantsfootballblog.com/2012/01/18/49ers-that-scare-me-nfc-championship-edition/
There is nothing more annoying than hearing a fan say: “the only team that can beat [my team] is [my team],” implying that said team is so dominant that the only way they could possibly lose is by shooting themselves in the foot. If the opposing team is able to upset the favorite, this arrogant mantra downplays the opposing team’s accomplishments by implying they were lucky enough to be the beneficiary of the far superior team’s mistakes.
Surely, there were tons of Packers and Saints fans that felt this way this past weekend, and there will be Giants and 49ers fans that feel this way now. Fans of both teams are uttering the old phrase “if we play our A-game, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing.” But what if both teams play their A-games?
The truth is that the only team that can beat your team is the opposing team, and specifically, the players that play for them. Here are the 49ers players that scare me:
Did you see him bull-rush the Saints’ left tackle into Drew Brees on Saturday? Smith is an absolute beast, and he frightens me more than any other 49er. I hardly knew anything about him before this season, but he has turned into one of the ten most ferocious defensive players in the NFL. Smith’s “Ferocious Factor,” a metric I just fabricated, was 9.2 for the 2011 season. For comparison’s sake, Jason Pierre-Paul’s FF was 9.4, so you know Smith is a monster.
The rookie had 14 sacks this year, and he doesn’t even start. He was the 7th overall pick for a reason; the kid’s got more talent than Bill Leavy has hate-mail.
Alex Smith
There are three Smiths on this list, and that doesn’t sit right with me. Still, how can I keep the former #1 overall pick off of this list after the way he played last weekend? I don’t think he’s good enough to play that way on a consistent basis, but he’s improved at an alarming rate, he doesn’t make mistakes (the 49ers turnover ratio of +28 is tops in the league), and it’s not out of the realm of possibility for this guy to have back to back great games.
Maybe you saw him on Saturday in the form of the 49ers’ offense. Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and was basically un-coverable all game long. Although he had a relatively quiet season, this is the same player that tied Antonio Gates’ single-season touchdown record for a tight end a couple years ago, before Rob Gronkowski was created in a laboratory and sent back from the future to destroy all record books.
In San Francisco’s run-heavy offense, Davis has not been utilized to his potential, and is often kept in as a blocker, an area in which he also excels. If he ever had the benefit of being part of a pass-heavy offense with a Hall of Fame QB, it’s possible that Davis would put up numbers comparable to those of Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham. For one game, Davis did just that, setting the NFL single-game playoff record for yards by a tight end (a record that will soon be broken by Gronkowski). Although the Giants have done a much better job of defending the tight end recently, Davis is easily the most dangerous skill position player on the 49ers’ offense.
In his first eight games, Gore topped 100 yards five times, averaging at least 4.0 yards a carry in each of those five games. In the second eight games of the regular season, Gore failed to reach 100 yards and averaged 4.0 yards per carry in only one game. Which Gore will show up? Last week against the Saints, Gore carried 13 times for 89 yards (6.8 average) and was a weapon in the passing game (7 receptions, 38 yards) something he has not been all season. If he’s this successful against the Giants, the 49ers’ offense will have a chance to put up some points.
This inside linebacker is not much of a playmaker, but he’s a tackling machine who seems to vacuum the ball carrier and racks up tackles, much like Atlanta’s Curtis Lofton. His 143 tackles are easily most on the team.
Justin Smith is the 49er that impressed me most this season, but Patrick Willis is still the best, most talented player on their defense. He just doesn’t have any flaws. Future hall of famer.
Alex Smith and Crabtree were not on the same page against the Saints; the receiver was targeted 10 times, but caught only 4 passes for 25 yards. Crabtree had three drops, but he also caught a touchdown pass to put the Niners up 14-0. It was a mixed bag for Crabtree, which is how it’s been for most of his career. Lately, he’s finally started to show glimpses of being a #1 receiver; he actually led the 49ers with 114 targets, 72 receptions and 874 yards.
He’s not as big or fast as Vernon Davis, but the 49ers will certainly try to get him involved in the offense. San Francisco doesn’t have much receiving depth, so if Crabtree and Davis don’t have big games, it will be tough for them to move the ball through the air.
Giants fans hate David Akers. Unfortunately, he’s still a fantastic kicker, and was possibly the best in the league this year. If the game comes down to Akers’ left foot, the Giants are in trouble.
Whereas Akers might be the best kicker in the NFL, there is no question as to the league’s best punter. Lee led the NFL in both yards per punt and net yards per punt. Also, I never trust anyone who has two first names.
Jim Harbaugh
If Tom Coughlin wakes up Monday morning with a bruise on his back in the shape of a hand, something has gone terribly wrong.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
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My thoughts
Justin Smith - He’s been doing this far longer than just this season, he’s just now getting more attention because of the 49ers’ success. I also refute your 9.2 rating and raise you our coach’s assessment. As Jim Harbaugh said in a recent press conference he’s a 10 out of 10. :)
Aldon Smith – His game is no where near complete yet which is what’s so scary about him. He was actually the most efficient pass rusher in the league this year if you went on a per snap figure.
Alex Smith - He’s proving he can play consistently good football. It may take some time to convince everyone but the last 17 games he’s played this season show that it’s nothing but arrow up for him. The Lions, Eagles and Saints have all made the mistake of thinking he was the Alex Smith everyone thought was a bust.
Vernon Davis – This guy is pure size and speed. He’s actually faster than a lot of DBs in the league (4.3 forty time). His production slipped this year because he was still learning this offense and contributing in other ways like blocking. Before the game last week our OC said he finally felt like Vernon was putting everything together – you saw the results.
I’ll stop there but cause I’m not sure if I’m really helping. I would make a case on how you should fear every 49er but that’s just the homer in me :)
"We ask no quarter, we give no quarter" - Jim Harbaugh
Thanks
I know all about Davis, since I watched him my first two years at Maryland. He’s the reason I root for the 49ers when they aren’t playing the Giants.
You’re definitely right about Justin Smith…his stats have been pretty consistent over his career, but people are finally starting to give him the recognition he deserves because the Niners are finally good again. If they win on Sunday, he’ll get tons of exposure at the Super Bowl.
While I agree with most of your thoughts...
There were still some homer-ish backhanded compliments in this piece as a whole. Like trying to rate JPP over Justin Smith. I’m sorry, but if I had to build a defense around one or the other…
Give me Justin Smith any day of the week. The guy plays damn near every down, and his motor never stops running. And his stats don’t even fully represent just what a player he is. Aldon Smith doesn’t have 14 sacks without Justin Smith demanding the attention of two blockers on average from the right side of the defensive line.
And Alex Smith not good enough to play consistently? He’s been as consistent as can possibly be all season long – and contrary to popular belief, has been getting progressively better throughout his career, with the exception of his injury-season.
One thing to keep in mind as a Giants fan is this….due to the implementation of a new, and very broad scoped offensive system with hardly any off season activity, the Niners have been adding and adding to the offensive arsenal all season long, and what you’re seeing now out of not just Alex Smith, but the offense as a whole, is the culmination of this season long process.
Another player you should fear, assuming he plays as it’s looking like is probable (even though he’s listed as questionable on the injury report) is Delanie Walker. Easily the most versatile skill player on the offense. He runs, he catches, he blocks, and with all of the attention Vernon Davis will be attracting from the NY defense, Walker is a guy who can easily burn any defense in this league if left ignored.
Overall, sound thoughts on these players – and don’t worry, I don’t hold the “homer-ish” aspect against you ;)
"We're not into answering questions"
Follow @LooseCannon79
No disrespect to Alex Smith
I’m a believer in him. All I meant was that I don’t know if he can repeat his performance against the Saints on a consistent basis, not that he’s not a consistent quarterback. That’s no slight…Smith had an all-time great performance last weekend. To say that he can do that consistently is to say that he’s an all time great…I’m not ready to go that far.
Agree to disagree on JPP and Smith. Obviously I’m going to pick the guy I’ve watched all season, and you’re going to pick the guy you’ve watched all season. It’s hardly a backhanded compliment to say that one great player is in the same tier as another great player. Also, the “Ferocious Factor” thing was more of a joke than an actual rating.
The 49ers are a great team, I know that. You’re right to be defensive though, because the east coast bias is real. Just turn on ESPN.
Justin Smith is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year
And with a good game Sunday I think he actually gets it. The guy is a beast. He tackled Drew Brees and their left tackle at the same time.
Not disagreeing that Justin Smith is the better player....'cause he is (though its pretty close)
Just pointing out that JPP is in the running for DPOY as well. Both were also Probowlers and named AP 1st team All Pro
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 21, 2012 6:14 AM PST up reply actions
J. Smith
Can’t forget the start streak when talking about him. 171 consecutive starts as of now.
that's a testament to how tough he is.
which reminds me, for all y’all that want Carr in this game…Eli is 3rd in NFL history for consecutive starts for a QB, and the active leader in that regard with 128 :)
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 21, 2012 8:46 AM PST up reply actions
but, there is one tiny difference
J. Smith was elected a probowler and AP 1st team All Pro as BOTH a DE and a DT. I believe the first or second in history to do that.
by Chaotic9erFan on Jan 21, 2012 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
I'm a Niners fan, J Smith is a better player now, but JPP is at least 5 years younger and is an absolute beast.
He is in his second season and has amassed 16.5 sacks. As an OLB if he would have been drafted as such,I have no reason to believe he couldn’t do it, his athleticism is off the charts. J Smith is a 3-4 DE, 4-3 DT, or 4-3 DE, BUT, JPP could be a 4-3 DE and a 3-4 OLB and a VICIOUS one. Right now though Smith is the better player because the DE in the 3-4 has to be nasty and a 4-3 DT is the same, and he is ALWAYS nasty. For one season J Smith, but for a Franchise you always side with youth and upside.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
, but if I had to build a defense around one or the other…
Give me Justin Smith any day of the week.
That would be pretty foolish being as JPP had 16.5 sacks ,86 tackles(AS A DE!) while playing 7 games behind Osi. For a player that " doesn’t even fully understand the game yet"..
Plus he’s about a decade younger.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
The Giants seem to have success limiting running styles such as Gore’s, but they struggle more against the Quicker/shiftier backs such as Hunter. I could be mistaken, but that is what I noticed in the few Giants games caught this season.
I would agree with that to a degree
And I fully expect Kendall Hunter to be a huge part of the running attack this weekend to offset that. What I’d like to see the offense do is play with some more two back sets that feature Gore and Hunter in the backfield together – keep them guessing.
"We're not into answering questions"
Follow @LooseCannon79
by LooseCannon79 on Jan 20, 2012 6:58 PM PST up reply actions
I would say that is a really good assesment.
The only player I would add is somebody that might not play.
Ted Ginn
If he is healthy he should scare you in special teams. I don’t know if he will be so this may not matter.
He was 4th in the league in Punt return average.
He was 3rd in kick off return average.
He was a big part in the reason the 49ers led the league in starting field position.
However, he might not play.
You could include Carlos Rogers (Picked off Eli twice in week 10) 6 total for the year. (t-4)
Or you could say Dashon Goldson also 6 picks for the year including 1 last week against the Saints.
Can you imagine a little kid just standing there and getting picked on. They get rocks thrown at them. Spit on them. Alex’s just one of those guys, he’s been there. I just wish him all the best. I want to see him successful. I just want to see all good things happen to that guy. Because he is a warrior.-VD
Yeah Ted Ginn scares me if he plays
The special teams trio of Akers, Lee and Ginn is ridiculous.
Rogers almost made the list but it was getting a bit long. He was the first cut.
I think when it's all over the Giant's just might decide to put...
Kendall Hunter on this list !!
"When they pull the chains off, I’ll come back just as strong as when I left, if not better" - 52
Navarro Bowman isn't a playmaker?
I guess All-Pro players wouldn’t be considered “playmakers”? lol the Dude is just a younger version of Willis, they make the best linebacking duo in the league
Playmaker
When discussing defensive players, I use the term playmaker to mean someone who causes turnovers or gets sacks. Much respect to Bowman, it just seems like he’s more of a tackling machine than that type of player (but you would know better than me). Both types of players are important, hence him being on this list.
Bowman
He’s a mini Willis with 1 difference.
Willis isn’t a natural passrusher, he just hasn’t done it often enough to have his normally perfect technique. Bowman is better in this 1 item currently.
Willis spent more time in the short training camp working on his pass rush more than other things. With a real offseason coming up we are pretty excited to see how he improves, uptill now he’s been effictive jsut due to his speed.
LOL you listed the whole team pretty much.
We’re legit
"Whoever said WAR is HELL must have been talking about Aaron Rowand" - McCoven faithful
Haha, pretty much
There’s a reason you guys went 13-3
pretty good insights into the 49ers overall.
One thing to add. Patrick Willis may be “on a mission” after his “near death” experience last week.
Pretty good...
Pretty objective assessment, pretty good knowledge of our players. As most have said, Justin Smith is much better than John Pierre Paul, but unless you watch him every game, what he does does not appear on the stat sheets, so your assessment is not off base.
Gore seems about 70% at best, so you never know what you’ll get. In this game, they need to use him more as a receiver. Crabtree can be dominant, but is usually not a factor. Smith is getting better every game, which is amazing considering they had no preseason. Every game I’ve seen this year comes down to line play. So if our offensive line controls your defensive line, and if our defensive line controls your offensive line (particularly giving Alex Smith time to throw) then we win—if it’s the reverse, you win. If the Giants stack the box like they did last time, I’d start with two backs, one in the slot, and make quick outlet throws to the slot back or the running back on a delayed route.
This will give Smith a chance to get the ball off, quickly, frustrating the pass rush, for some confidence building completions and initial first downs. So the right scheme can be a key to winning the battle of offensive and defensive lines.
by Michael O'Donnell on Jan 22, 2012 10:47 AM PST reply actions
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