49ers vs. ATL/NO/NYG: Who Would You Most Rather Play?
by Dylan DeSimone on Jan 4, 2012 8:00 AM PST
in 2012 NFL Playoffs
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I hate to forgo my excitement regarding the 49ers playoff status but I want to get down to brass tax and open up discussion on the biggest question on my mind -- 'Who would I prefer the 49ers host at Candlestick in the divisional playoff round?'
On January 14th, the San Francisco 49ers will compete against either the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints or New York Giants to advance to the NFC Championship. Since the 49ers have a bye week this weekend, I'll be pulling for the teams I would most want San Francisco to have to face. Typically the best team wins but according to strengths and weaknesses, amongst other variables, I've been wondering which team of these three the 49ers would be best off seeing in the playoffs.
The great thing about facing any of these three teams is that the 49ers will have home field advantage and a weeks rest that their opponent didn't have. Follow me after the jump for discussion about the 49ers three potential opponents and what the best possible scenarios could be.
In order of teams I would most prefer to face to the least
1. Atlanta Falcons
I have to say the Falcons are the team the 49ers would most want to see between these three teams, for a number of reasons. I believe most 49er fans recall the last two games between Atlanta and San Francisco -- with that said, if the 49ers were headhunters looking for revenge, the Falcons would be near the top of their list. The Falcons also rely on their franchise running back in Michael Turner to help get the offense going.
In 2011, the 49ers have displayed an uncanny ability to virtually remove the opposing team's tailbacks from the gameplan. This will put the Falcons back on their heels and more one dimensional, which is when the 49ers typically start getting turnovers. Atlanta's knack for going downfield and creating big plays through the air is proven and scary with Roddy White and Julio Jones. However, San Francisco has excelled at limiting those opportunities this year, making offenses play a more simplified version of their game.
2. New York Giants
The battle between the Giants and Saints for the team I would least prefer was closer than I thought because of the Giants ability to show up and play great football for 60 minutes any given game. The Giants pass rush on a good day and the 49ers offensive line on a bad day could end the 49ers run in an instant. But the pass protection has been good as the 49ers had not turned the ball over in their last 5 games.
The receivers are dangerous and Eli Manning has playoff experience and plays well in the clutch. There is also something that is both good and bad: the 49ers and Giants have played each other already this season. I view this as a good thing because the Niners have game film and familiarity with the personnel. The 49ers also now know they can beat the Giants even when they show up and play good football.
However, this is a bad thing because the Giants have that same game film to refer back to. And this is scary because the 3 teams that played San Francisco twice this season, played them better the second time around -- one team even winning in the Arizona Cardinals.
3. New Orleans Saints
I'm sure most of you were certain that the Saints were going to be the team I would least like San Francisco to face, but why wouldn't they be? This team is high scoring, Super Bowl champs from two years ago, led by a record-setting quarterback in Drew Brees who is a top candidate for league MVP. It's hard to contain Brees, yet the 49ers of last year were so close.
A team without Aldon Smith, Carlos Rogers, Donte Whitner, an active Kyle Williams or a Kendall Hunter took the field, led by Mike Singletary and Alex Smith and nearly defeated the defending Super Bowl champs. This is a much improved team, and now it has a methodical and disciplined offense to combat the Saints high scoring capability by limiting their opportunities. The 49ers were top 5 and 10 in most defensive statistical categories in the 2011 regular season; a record-setting defense with multiple Pro Bowlers and playmakers.
If the 49ers intend on making a legitimate run at the Super Bowl, they will likely have to go through Green Bay in the NFC Championship. If the 49ers have to play the Saints, it could be a great opportunity to prepare and practice for what the Packers will be bringing.The Saints and Packers have the leagues most elite offenses who can score an extraordinary amount of points in a single ball game, but it can be neutralized (See: NO vs SEA, GB vs KC).
If these match-ups are to happen, and there is a very good chance they do, it will make for quite the entertaining postseason in the NFC. But great defenses can subdue great offenses, even in the playoffs. To point out a relatively recent example, it would be like the Super Bowl featuring the top offense in the Oakland Raiders and the top defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where defense reigned supreme. Hopefully that will again be the case.
Who would you most prefer the 49ers face in divisional playoff game at Candlestick?
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80
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ATL imo...I don't think Ryan is all that good and we can snuff out their rushing game.
NYG healthy Dline and Eli scare me…Saints might just be the best team in the NFL right now.
These are pretty much my sentiments
But, if we are going to make noise in the post-season, we gotta be able to beat the best.
Saints at our house. I like our chances, and if we can’t win, we weren’t going to go further.
p.s. I am THRILLED that we are not playing them in NO, incidentally.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed
This team is built to trash a team like the Falcons.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
Follow the Chicken on Twitter
by SportsChicken on Jan 4, 2012 12:55 PM PST up reply actions
Bring on the Saints , i want pay back for that blitz fest in pre-season ...
… and to shut up all those nay-sayers about this is a passing league and the Niners can’t compete against it , Niners will show that a balanced attack on O , ball control , grind them down for 60 mins , great D and Special Teams is a winning formula in years to come …!!
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 4, 2012 8:07 AM PST reply actions 3 recs
I like your thinking...
“If you want to be the best, you got to play and beat the best!!” Disclaimer: Best is used in a relative term since media talking heads say Saints are…
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
by Kidd2Petrovic on Jan 4, 2012 8:12 AM PST up reply actions
yep!
Bring on the Saints. I think the Saints would probably be the most difficult of the three teams and I would like to play them in OUR house. And I don’t care if Brees throws for 800 yards. We will just keep them out of the endzone. Yes, I want payback too! Also, for no solid reason at all, I feel they are the least likely team to leave us with anymore injuries.
Definitely agree with this.
The Niners may be the best team in the league, and if they go to the Super Bowl I’d like for them to beat the best teams on the way. The fact that they’re in the playoffs and a contender this season is good enough for me, and what I really want to see is good football between two great teams.
If the Niners lose to the Saints, I won’t cry about it, but if they win, it’ll be a huge statement win for the franchise. Beating the Falcons or the Giants wouldn’t be as satisfying, at least for this fan.
by Rhombus on Jan 4, 2012 8:47 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
This Right Here
And the Saints are a total different team outside the Superdome. See last years Wildcard in Seattle. I would like our odds in Candlestick
I don't really agree with this at all.
I will be satisfied if they win the Super Bowl if they beat the Falcons, Lions and Broncos. Would any Niners fan really complain if they won a title like that? I quite honestly don’t care who they play on the way so long as they win. I’m not expecting them to win it all, but thats what I want.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
by Joshuahss on Jan 4, 2012 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
that is true
i prefer beating the saints, packers and ravens for the title. but i would be just as happy beating any other teams and win the SB. i dont see any * on the super bowl the steelers won against the seahawks.
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
Saints For Sure
They have the weakest defense of the three teams, and I want revenge!
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.
He is talking about the Saints, Falcons and Giants.
But I agree that GB has a worse defense than the Saints.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
My mistake
Although I think Atlanta has a more beatable defense than New Orleans.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Yup Yup
Totally agree. I would love for us to get payback for that pre-season game and show everyone how good we really are. If we beat the Saints, I think we definitely beat the Packers. Oh and btw about the article, it’s “brass tacks not brass tax”.
Because playing and beating the Saints at home is the same as beating the Packers in Lambeau???
by LombardiBackToGB on Jan 4, 2012 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
No, beating the Saints would be harder.
The Packers have plenty of weaknesses that a good coach and a good team can exploit. The Saints are a much more complete team. Plus, Lambeau is better suited to the Niners style of play than the Packers.
by Rhombus on Jan 4, 2012 11:52 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Would love to hear some of those weaknesses...
and compare against the short list we Packer fans have. Always nice to get an outside perspective.
by LombardiBackToGB on Jan 5, 2012 6:18 AM PST up reply actions
Giants are the worst team, but I think 49ers should be favorites against any of the 3.
Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder
by whistlingmountain on Jan 4, 2012 8:13 AM PST reply actions
"worst"?
Record-wise you mean? I know they have lost a lot of games, but I see them as a dangerous playoff dark horse that no one wants to play. Built similarly to the Lions, but with more big-game experience.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 10:06 AM PST up reply actions
Why are they dangerous?
Because they beat an imploding Cowboy team? an imploding Jets team? Or because they lost to the Redskins with 3 weeks to go?
I really think people are seeing the 2007 Giants in the 2011 Giants because they wear the same uniforms, but they are not nearly as good. Their defense is thin and weak beyond the defensive line, they don’t run the ball well against any even average run defense, they rely heavily on blind timing passes and have been saved by break away TDs from horribly angles and tipped balls.
I really don’t think they are as good as the Falcons or Lions. I’d rate them as Lions→Falcons→Giants, which is funny because that is the opposite of their seeding.
Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder
by whistlingmountain on Jan 4, 2012 11:12 AM PST up reply actions
Well I think the Niners match up better with the Falcons.
But I agree on the Giants. They are wildly inconsistent and have gotten a bit of luck to beat teams. I think the reason people are more worried about them is Eli at QB compared to Matt Ryan, but thats just my guess.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
I agree that there’s too much “2007” love for NYG within the media that gets repeated by fans. Their secondary is awful, and most talking heads qualify their Giants support with statements like “if their pass rush is healthy and can play like they’re capable of and their secondary works their issues out, and they run the ball like they used to…” Every team has a chance with qualifiers like that.
I actually do, however, think that NY is better than Atlanta, in large part due to Eli. The Falcons played the weakest division this season (AFC South), plus four games against the Tampa and Carolina defenses, which helps account for their extra victory. NY played the Niners, Packers, Patriots and Saints. Atlanta is sort of the opposite of the Niners: they gain good yardage without scoring points.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
NFC South
Since that’s actually the division you mean to say!
Nope - AFC South
The NFC South played the AFC South. Falcons went 3-1 vs weak AFC South.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Oh yup
Foot duly inserted into mouth! That’s what I get for skim reading! Thought you meant the Falcons played in the AFC south!
Nope
Cause they have an explosive offense, and an excellent quarterback.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 2:46 PM PST up reply actions
they are more balanced
Just very inconsistent. Atlanta doesn’t stand a chance against us, but the giants played us close, and while inconsistent have gotten better. I think we can beat the saints, but no way I would rather play those guys. Too explosive. I do want to see green bay though. They aren’t ducking us. They havents seen a real defense all season, I want to end the we should have drafted Rodgers and Smith talk once and for all, and I know Alex could light that defense up for at least 300 yards and 3 tds.
by texasniner31 on Jan 4, 2012 10:31 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
i dont think they are pushovers either
they can go into GB and beat them
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
Someone is going to stun Green Bay in January
The law of averages makes it probable- it’s just incredibly hard to repeat as Super Bowl champs. Would not be shocked to see New York OR SF do it.
The Lions also have an outside chance if they can get past the Saints- grudge matches are always fun in the playoffs.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 5:04 PM PST up reply actions
And my answer is the Falcons
When “The good Giants” show up their only weakness is the secondary, which can be moot if those DE’s are killing your QB. The saints offense just scares the hell out of me
Give me the saints give me the great " drew brees " give the QB that just
broke the great " dan marino "record give us the toughest offense to gaurd that will be a good warm-up for the packers.
by Jayubb415rebirth on Jan 4, 2012 8:18 AM PST reply actions
I'd say the Falcons would be the best match up for the Niners.
They tend to get frustrated when their ground game doesn’t get going and the 49ers will make them 1 dimensional. I also don’t think their defense is all that great, so points can be scored against them.
That said, I think it will be the Saints. Getting the number 2 seek was huge for them and I like their chances at home against N.O.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Agree with both of these
I think we’d demolish the Falcons, and I don’t think for a second we are going to face them.
I don’t fancy the idea of a rematch with the Giants- they’d be motivated, and their team has more playoff experience than ours.
So long as it’s in San Fran, I want the Saints. And, that’s probably exactly what’s going to happen anyways.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Also,
what the heck is Grabtree doing in that photo? Is he dancing? Is he stomping something? Is he going for a hip bump with AleX? Curious minds want to know.
I'm kind of scared to play atlanta i'm hearing their o-line plays a little dirty i don't
want any of are defensive players to get hurt even though they can get injured by any team.
by Jayubb415rebirth on Jan 4, 2012 8:37 AM PST reply actions
They play dirty
But we play Smiths.
Advantage: Us.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 10:08 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
"Brass Tacks"
but then I have a reading problem...
by Bob In Beaverton on Jan 4, 2012 8:38 AM PST reply actions
Atlanta x10000
I saw a stat mid way through the season showing how bad they were when Turner didnt get his carries/yards. Which they wouldnt get against our defense. Bring on the Falcons. then the Pack
I want the Saints
Payback for last season and pre-season.
extrabaggs
"Just your typical Giants scoring rally: A faceburger on the basepaths, two errors from the second baseman and a bases-loaded balk."
i think it was at the beginning of the offseason
He said something about the 49ers wasting their time with alex or something like that. I’ll look it up later, but I’m posting from my phone.
Roddy White:
"Why is the 49ers wasting their time with alex smith they need to move on better yet try to get luck next year would be good for them"
It doesn't anger me too much.
The majority of the sporting world thought this before the season as well.
and they were wrong too
I just thought it would be kinda funny for an alex smith lead team to knock white’s team out of the playoffs given his comments.
Does Alex Lead Defense & Special Teams?
In all honesty, they would be the factors knocking White’s team out of the playoffs.
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.
As did a lot of this site
Not entirely without reason.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 10:09 AM PST up reply actions
He sounds almost as smart as the experts who also had us in the running for Luck
Although most of them know to say “are” instead of “is”.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I had us going 3-13
No idea we would be this good so I hold nothing against anyone that picked against us. Coaching makes a bigger difference at the pro level than I ever dreamed.
i thought we would go 9-7 8-8 and make the playoffs
glad we where both wrong
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
This is about him picking against Smith
Instead of minding his own team’s business.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
In Candlestick with our crowd and our playing style we can beat any of them.
Purely for payback purposes I want the Saints just so we can shut the talking heads up. As has been said beating New Orleans would be the most satisfying victory of all three of them.
We just gotta play our game, don’t turn the ball over and be relentless on D. We do that and we can go all the way.
"Coach, we got this. We got this." - Frank Gore
REST IN PEACE MAURICE LUCAS 1952-2010 R.I.P #20
"They responded like mighty men." - Jim Harbaugh
by rise_stand_resist on Jan 4, 2012 8:58 AM PST reply actions
I wonder
if we would finally get media respect if we beat the Saints. Or, if it would be yet another line of excuses, justifications, “the Saints weren’t playing their best football” type BS to explain why a Niner victory would be a fluke.
It’s ok, we’ll just do the same thing the following week.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 10:10 AM PST up reply actions
what where the excuses when the seahawks beat them in the first round?
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
Loud stadium, overconfidence,
and the fact that it’s really hard to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
There were probably others, but those are the ones I recall. And, that run by Lynch where nine Saints defenders made contact, but NO ONE brought him down.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 5:06 PM PST up reply actions
SF VS. NYG. Why, you ask?
The rivalry is initially why. Also I think it would make for an outstanding preperation for playing against GB. In their previos match up, Frank Gore was out for most of the game, so the game film they study from that game would not be consistant with who will show up in th playoffs. We all saw a pass happy 49er team that day. That will not be the case now. Farnk Gore will be healthy, God willing. Also, Dlainie Waler most likely won’t suit up, so that demention of our offense will be diverse from what they see on film. Last, I think we match up better against NY. NO/ATL both are ,more pass happy.
I want the Saints. A. Because the Falcons have seemed to have our number. B. I don’t like playing good teams we have beaten and Eli plays in bad weather in NY. While I think Payton will attack our weakest DB’s I like our chances vs that defense. However I’m reluctant to pick any. I hate what I have seen from the offense, when facing an obvious blitz.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
On another note, I dont want to face the Giants due to the blown call in our last playoff win.
"What the hell are you mixing in that look-aid"
Why would that matter?
Especially since there was a blown call earlier in the drive that helped NY. Remind Giants fans of that if any come crying to you about the FG play (or that their kicker, whose confidence was already shaken, likely misses a new attempt anyway).
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
My Order: Atlanta / New Orleans / New York
Atlanta’s offense plays to the strengths of our defense. New Orleans because the team would be pretty damn fired up to take them on (given the preseason crap and the close game last year). The Giants, while not the hardest matchup on paper would be the most dangerous as the they have the motivation, the experience of playing us, and have the passing attack to capitalize on any complacency that may or may not arise.
The team I most want to see them play is the Packers
That would mean they were in the NFC Championship game. Yes, I know that wasn’t one of the choices but that’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.
In the world of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
Put da team on my back.
Last year the Saints marched into the playoffs to face an NFC west team with a running back that crushed their hopes.
This year will be no different, and Gore will end up with an epic “I aint neva seen dat do” YouTube video.
by Leoniner on Jan 4, 2012 9:14 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Atlanta / New York / Saints
Matt Ryan is awful and that team is overrated generally.
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs this season, hopefully! :)
I really think strong arguments can be made for/against any of those teams...
So I am going to stick with – whoever we get. It really shouldn’t matter. Next team up is the one we need to beat and should be able to beat.
More than the next team to face, I am anxious to see what, if any, differences there will be in game plan and execution now that we are in the sudden-death part of the season. I’d really love to see us come out and be aggressive and execute (catching the tough passes, distrupting the other teams QB, etc) and really take control of the game early on.
Saints
Hands down, their only losses have been on the road this year and they would have to come out west. Plus we’re most likely to play GB in the NFC championship, couldn’t hurt to get some practice in against a really good offense.
49ers should have the mentality...that all those teams are scared of them!
Whatever team the 9ers play…they have to must have a confident attitude that they CAN beat the pants off of the other team.
You got to PROVE to beat the BEST…. to earn the respect of the best!
Saint-Giants-Atlanta , BRING THEM ON…. they are in OUR HOUSE, and the 9ers will make CLEAR to them that they are in OUR HOUSE…..
Get Your Popcorn Ready !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't quite get, "most rather."
I suppose it could be a normal English usage, but not familiar to me.
Not complaining: I am always seeking to improve my understanding of English and everything else.
hmm, never thought about that
Don’t know weather it’s correct or not but “most” seems to be superfluous there.
Its' another example of spoken American english working it's way into print.
The spoken language often changes language as a whole.
In this case “rather” assumes a simple choice. By adding “most” as a condition/modifyer the writer is trying to give emphasis which isn’t really necessary. I would say the intent is to get the reader to not just “flip a coin” but rather to really emphasise one choice over another…
At least that is my take on the usage.
by ColoradoNiner on Jan 4, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
ATL
Initial thought was NYG, but they are really hitting their stride again, their DLine could give our OL nightmares, and Victor Cruz scares the poo out of me.
Atlanta, on the other hand, is a very hot and cold team. I think the Niners have a great chance to make them cold. The Falcons rely on their running game, which I think the Niners would slow down. They do not have an exceptional defense, and I would predict a big game from two of the following: Gore, Hunter, Davis and Crabtree. And, most importantly, Matt Ryan struggles when he is away from home, especially outdoors.
"Alex is balling. He’s balling out." - Frank Gore
Atlanta, Saints, Giants in that order
All based on revenge. 49ers have something to prove against atlanta and the saints, saints are better than atlanta, so atlanta made my preference. Giants have something to prove if they play us again, which makes them the most dangerous of the three in my opinion.
And Giants are the only one of the three that have dealt with Harbaugh shifts, have an actual feel for the 49ers style of play this year and who know how individual players match up.
Agreed. Dont want to be rematching either of the teams we already beat in tight games
We lost and got disrespected by the Saints in a game that meant nothing while they tried to put Alex on the IR. Driving Brees into the soggy Candlestick turf on his throwing shoulder is in order.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 4, 2012 9:36 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'm iffy on playing the Falcons
Really don’t want to see Brock or Brown matched up against Julio Jones.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jan 4, 2012 9:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
NJG/Saints/Atl
Don’t know why more think this but the Jersey Giants have been under tremendous stress this season and that wears on the team. Then to fly out here again is brutal. I think the collapse.
Saints bc we will be ready – their running game will not be there so we only gameplan to the pass. I think Smith & Co gets to Brees.
Falcons are the ones I dont like 2 All Pro WR and TG not to mention a bulldozer RB and their defense is much better than the Saints.
Anywhichway, I don’t worry about our preparation. we will be ready!
Saints
I want to see them play the best and the Saints are the best team in football right now, including the Packers. The Saints will win the Superbowl if they get past the 49ers.
Easiest to Hardest
Falcons, Giants & Saints. We’ve already beaten the Gints, and should overpower the Dirty Birds. And the “Silence of the Rams” already whopped the “Aints” this year, and we Blanked and swept them. We match up pretty good against any of them. Candlestick has its own “Breeze” along with “The Smiths – Justin & Aldon” Ray McDonald’s McBlitz package, and “Bam Bam” they’re out!
In Order to Be the Best you gotta beat the best.
Saints. Then Packers. Then Ravens.
Beat them and then no one will ever be able to talk $hit about this being a fluke season like they did w/ the SF Giants.
by 49er Faithful925 on Jan 4, 2012 10:43 AM PST reply actions
Who cares if it is considered a fluke season.
A championship is all that matters. If the Niners win it all I will care less who they beat.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Normally it wouldn't matter
But I don’t think anybody outside of the bay area really believes this team is SB worthy. It would make it that much sweeter to beat NO and GB to get there.
by AptosNinerFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
But who cares what people outside the bay area believes.
Does it really matter if the Niners win at all. I know I will be just as thrilled no matter who they face. Thats because no matter who they beat, they would be the last team standing. Getting riled up about what E(ast)SPN thinks will just cause unnecessary aggravation.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
I get what you're saying
and I would normally agree but this year is different for some reason. To see them run through, New Orleans, Green Bay and New England…I think people’s mouths would be agape around the country. From 6-10 to that…they should just put Harbaugh in the HOF without a vote.
When I was young they were never the underdog and this year they are. I want to see them run through the best on the way to number 6.
by AptosNinerFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
I wouldn't mind them doing that.
But I’m not going to think of them as “lesser” Super Bowl champions if they don’t get a chance to knock those teams off.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
i believe dude
And I live in Texas…;-)..so there’s one!
by texasniner31 on Jan 4, 2012 11:30 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t understand anybody who has the Saints anything but most-feared. They’re playing really good ball right now – including decent defense.
On a neutral field, I’m not sure I’d take the Packers over the Saints right now.
The Giants, yes, we beat them, but I want everybody to remember how the 4th quarter of that game felt. Nobody felt confident about that W until the final whistle.
Its because of how they play in domes compared to outside.
And the confidence Niners fans have in the team. I would take the Packers over the Saints outside any day of the week at this point, even if they stumbled a little down the stretch. I’m not saying the Niners would definately win, but its not a given either way. The Giants would be tough as well, and i think the Falcons would be the best match up.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Had this conversation with my buddy last night
I want the Saints on a sloppy Candlestick field. Anybody know a rain dance? We could sure use some.
Oops
Did someone leave the sprinklers on all night? Darn!
The Dude: Oh boy. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm once they've seen Karl Hungus.
by slapsy on Jan 4, 2012 11:34 AM PST via Android app up reply actions 5 recs
Where's the intern that faxed out Taylor Mays' availability status?
Get him over to the head of groundskeeping, pronto.
by AptosNinerFan on Jan 4, 2012 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
Nice
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 6:06 PM PST up reply actions
Is That Even Legal? Brilliant!
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.
Steelers did it to the Raiders I believe
They froze the ground and it was like they were on rollerskates
I really want saints
I live in louisiana but I represent the red and gold nearly every day at school. I made a bet with my teacher that if the saints win i’ll wear a saints shirt but if we win he has to wear a 49ers shirt. I want some bragging rites.
by MNY49 on Jan 4, 2012 11:34 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Saints
Play the best and find where you are. This team is in the beggining stages of what should be a long run of success. This post-season will not be the last chance to make a Super Bowl run so let’s confirm how good we are and find what needs to happen to become great.
If the Niners beat the Saints, that would be the win that brings the respect that should already have been earned. It would also send this team into the NFCC Game on quite a high. If the team loses, it will be clear which areas of weakness require an upgrade to take the next step.
Beyond that, the Falcons would be the easiest personel matchup, and it owuld feel great to blow them out after handing them a win last year in Atlanta.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
The problem is there is no guarantee the team will get back anywhere.
You just can’t assume they are going to make runs for the Super Bowl every season. I’m not saying the Niners should be worried about facing the top teams, but I wouldn’t be dissapointed if they didn’t have to go that route.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
No assumption
Which is why I said “should be a long run of success.” You get better by having statement victories that establish your team and franchise. By one cmparison, look at AZ. They had a wonderful run to the Super Bowl but defeated an average Atlanta team with a rookie QB, a Carolina team with an awful QB and that had one year of success before falling flat, and an aging Philly team. The NFC playoffs that season were weak and, though AZ made a one yearname for themselves, they weren’t that good and evaporated when Warner retired. I want to know how good/great our team is and I want clarity on where improvements need to be made. We’re no longer competing with our division opponents; we’re looking to out-perform the best of the league.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I don't think that had anything to do with who they beat.
It has to do with them losing their QB and not having an adequate replacement. There is simply no correlation between that happening and the team falling off.
And if you asked any player or fan if they would rather the team play great teams and lose in the playoffs or play good teams and win the Super Bowl, the answer would be almost unanimous. Every season is a different entity and no one can control who they face. Losing to the Saints will not help the team next year any more than beating the Falcons or Giants will.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
Except AZ didn't win the SB
It left them thinking they were better than what they were: an average 9-7 team in a weak division, with an awful defense that made a playoff run beating Ryan, Delhomme, and past his prime McNabb. Would or should their fans give it back? Absolutely not. Did it mask what type of team they really had? Yes, which was little beyond Warner and Fitzgerald. I don’t want that happening here. I’d rather lose to Brees or Rodgers and get better so that we’re competing with them for the next decade.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
But there is no reason to think that if the Niners play a better team in the playoffs that will make them better going forward.
It is true the team has deficiencies, but the two are not related whatsoever. Losing to Brees or Rogers will have no bearing on the 49ers getting better and competing for the next decade. Good personel management and coahcing will. And deciding if a team is overrated and or needs help because of one game in the playoffs with other factors involved would be crazy (as would happen if the Niners lost to the Saints). The 13-3 record is a much better indication of how good the Niners are, though I’d argue the 4-1 record against playoff teams tops that.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
We'll disagree on this one
The Niners could defeat Atlanta, then Detroit and I’ll not complain or feel underserving of that SB trip. But I’m thinking about more than this season. Our team will have to get better to compete in a conference with Brees, Rodgers, Eli, and even Vic, Romo and Stafford. The great Niners teams weren’t just better, they had to be while playing in the superior conference that won 14 consecutive Super Bowls. Beating the Falcons and Lions would hide some areas needing improvement that games against the Saints and/or Packers, even in victory, would not.
There’s no guarantee at getting better no matter which scenario plays out. For the present, I want to play the best, find out what we have, and earn advancement by playing and defeating the best teams and QBs.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I will agree that the team should be looking to the long term as well as the short.
But I think they would be better served in looking at the full season’s worth of games to determine what they have and what they lack going forward instead of just a game or two. Alex could get hot or something unlikely could happen which could also mask deficiencies. I think the fact that so many wild cards have won/gone to the Super Bowl lately shows that the best teams doesn’t win all the time.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
None of them
You see, here’s my problem with Mr James ‘Coach of the Year’ Harbaugh. All of those teams – NO/Atl/NYG – are good teams.
So, brilliant. We’ve ended up getting such a ‘good’ regular season record that we miss the easier round of the play-offs, going straight to the more difficult round, where we play a harder opponent.
In addition, I notice that we have one of the last picks in the first round of the draft.
I don’t think Harbaugh – or whatever you call him, you deluded worshippers – never thought any of this stuff through at all. Strategist?! Ha! Under ‘Samurai’ Mike Singletary and Mike Nolan and Dennis Eriksson, ie men who knew where you needed to be at the end of a season, we never EVER had difficult play-off opponents. We skipped the play-offs altogether, and therefore never lost ONE SINGLE GAME in the play-offs in the golden 2003-2010 era. We ALWAYS had a high draft pick, where the better players are, by definition.
Harbaugh? Idiot. Bring back Jimmy Raye as HC – he’d get us out of this mess and back in business. Plus he had a nice hat.
by LondonNiner on Jan 4, 2012 11:59 AM PST reply actions 8 recs
You are delusional
Harbaugh is a much better coach! Have you ever heard of 13-3???? That’s because you are a NONFAN and 49er hater. Why don’t you be a Cowboy fan if you like losing playoff games so much. Oh thats right, they CHOKED!!?! This team is so much better and you WANT to play tough teams in the PLAYOFFS and WIN them all.
By the way, Jimmy Raye was never a HC so you have NO IDEA how he would be. And that hat made him look STUPID!!!!!
I think your sarcasm detector is broken.
You should get it checked out. Or at least replace the batteries.
Hmm
Maybe yours is?
Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh
Jimmy Raye? PFFFF
bring back Hostler, that dude knew how to use Vernon Davis
Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder
by whistlingmountain on Jan 4, 2012 1:44 PM PST up reply actions
No, Bring Back That Guy With The Suits
Wearing a suit really increased the win %.
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.
Yes , most defently bring Back Jimmy Raye ...
… and if we can’t bring him back , atleast bring back that Hat …!!
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 ...!!
Wise words LondonNiner ..All movements start with a single voice
I’ll remember I heard it here first -out with the idiot Harbaugh-HAIL THE RAYE
and bring back the excitement of the draft
…..I bet at least one person jumps on ya!
LondonNiner
I am concerned about your health. . .will you require assistance removing your tongue from your cheek?
Bring me home, Dusty Rhodes
by jestasmaltownboy on Jan 4, 2012 1:46 PM PST up reply actions
I don't really care who they play. I just want it to be January 14/15.
This isn’t really in the spirit of the question, though. I think our best shot is against the Falcons, but that also is the least interesting of the three match-ups. The $$ game is the Saints and I expect we would win that one, too.
I think we might have a hard time against the Giants for the simple reason that it is hard to beat the same team twice in a season. Especially a team as up and down as the Giants.
I do want to see them play Green Bay. Win or lose, that is the true measuring stick.
It's the logo for my favorite band!
by positiveuphemism on Jan 4, 2012 12:24 PM PST reply actions
When do we find out the ref crews picked for the playoffs?
Last Sunday on ESPN – Parcels was talking about the refs and he stated ONE ref team has called over 90% more of the judgmental calls than any other ref team. He would not state which ref team that was. (I am not sure of exactly the percentage but it was high). The judgmental calls were the PI, helmet to helmet, roughing the passer type of calls, not holding, offsides, illegal formation stuff.
It sucks that this is important information.
But it very well could be.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
If this is true
It should be reflected by Vegas.
I’m going to go ahead and guess that that team is BAL.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
Follow the Chicken on Twitter
by SportsChicken on Jan 4, 2012 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
its Mike Carrey
He is always part of the controversial calls and has a reputation as having a poor crew
He's terrible.
Notice, after the Lions game of ours he did, the next week his crew was on SEA/CLE…getting a no name game the week after doing a big time match-up is a pretty clear sign of punishment without coming right out and saying it.
Fairly common assigning tactic. Now, the fact they got picked for the playoffs is questionable, but not all that surprising. Refereeing is really rather political the higher you go.
Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. ~ Jack Harbaugh
I would rather
beat Pats/Ravens/Steelers… that one gets us a nice trophy
Everyone forgeting JONATHAN GOODWIN?!?
Goodwin was with Drew and the Saints for 5 years…5 years with Drews hands on his butt, 5 years of learning their playbook, 5 years of knowing there tendencies and weakness. I know they have A. Franklin but we run a entirely different system then when he was with us, so he wont be much help to them. I hope Harbs is picking Jonathans brain and has him in the room while putting together the game plan….
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 4, 2012 1:29 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Saints is my vote by the way^^^^
Giants are scary right now and i cant shake that blowout Atlanta gave us last year at home…
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 4, 2012 1:30 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
He knows their line calls too
Hope he spends some time with the D-Line during the week.
Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.
I hope Goodwin and the offensive line spend all of their time preparing for blitz pick ups
Draft: 1. Kendall Wright 2. Trumaine Johnson
FA: Smith, Morgan, Brooks, Rogers, Snyder
by whistlingmountain on Jan 4, 2012 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
I know they put it to us preseason
but the Saints have proven this year that they are not a big threat with the pass rush…we’ve faced bigger and better this year and came out on top (Det. Phi. Pitt. StL. Cin.)
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 4, 2012 2:00 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
But agreed
our O line needs to gel in any game, no matter who were playing or else were in trouble
by Frisco_Kid on Jan 4, 2012 2:02 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Another viable strategy
given this:
5 years with Drews hand on his butt
would be for Goodwin to file a sexual harassment claim against Brees. It might tie both of them up in court, and thereby unable to play the game. While it would suck to lose our starting center, I think the Saints without Brees would be in a worse position.
They could settle out of court after the Niners won, but before the NFC championship game.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 4, 2012 6:09 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
i want to face NO
they will help us prepare for the packers. we all know it will most likely be the saints and then the packers. besides i dont see the saints losing at home.
Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!
Real question is???
Who of those teams want to play us??
by Zintzun22niner on Jan 4, 2012 6:05 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Would take Saints -
they’re the closest to the real thing for Lambeau field the following week, only with a slightly better running game and defense perhaps. No way this bunch wins in GB if NO can’t be handled, but they can do it – I have faith. Not a fan of seeing the Giants again – once a season is enough. And the Falcons? Sure, it’ll be a different team, and a chance to rid the Niners of another monkey-on-the-back in Atlanta having our number (I don’t remember many favorable outcomes in ATL v SF).
I don’t have to watch this postseason to know how far this team has come from a year ago – the records already decree that Harbaugh’s Niners have pulled one of the most fantastic and immediate turnarounds in NFL history (too bold?). But if there’s a standard I’ll hold to for this “fortuitous” occasion, its the 49ers walking onto Lambeau Field 3 weekends from now – I’m expecting a victory to propel San Francisco to the National Football Conference Championship Game, no matter the opponent.
Make it so.
And as an afterthought...
any takers for the odds of Candlestick hosting two games? It sounds nigh-impossible, but could the Giants or (inexplicably) the Lions take down Green Bay?
Make it so.
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