I'm filling in for James this morning with the Golden Nuggets and wanted to focus in on one link in particular. Mike Sando put together his weekly MVP watch and he ranked 49ers running back Frank Gore third among MVP candidates. He ranked him third behind Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger, and just ahead Tom Brady and Matt Forte. The big sinker this week was Saints QB Drew Brees.
It seems like the MVP award is Aaron Rodgers' to lose for now. Barring injury or a completely unexpected collapse, is there really anything that would prevent Rodgers from taking home the award? I actually am not all that surprised to see Roethlisberger this high on an MVP ranking. Without much in the way of great run support, he has brought his Steelers back from early season struggles to the point that they are the lead candidate for the number one seed in the AFC. Gore has had a strong last month and if he can keep it up, he'll at least remain in the conversation. On to the links.
49ers FB Moran Norris returns to practice; DE Ray McDonald sits out (Sam Lam)
Carlos Rogers not bitter towards Redskins; wants to remain with 49ers (Sam Lam)
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan doesn't see 49ers as a pure West Coast Offense team (Sam Lam)
Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall impressed by 40-times of the 49ers tight ends (Sam Lam)
49ers' newest sack trio aiming to become the best in franchise history (Bay Area Sports Guy)
Harbaugh: 'This is a Greg Roman offense' (Maiocco)
Why some of Joe 'The Jet' Perry's yards don't count (Maiocco)
Goldson not fined for penalized hit, not happy (Maiocco)
For Crabtree, Z marks the spot (Maiocco)
49ers-Redskins injury report (Maiocco)
Justin Smith, McDonald sit out practice (Maiocco)
CB Rogers says he wants to be a 49er, avoid free agency (Barrows)
Defensive end trouble? McDonald not practicing, Smith observing (Barrows)
Justin Smith healthy; Ray McDonald limping (Barrows)
Cornerback Rogers gets fresh start with 49ers (Press Democrat)
Injury report: CB Tramaine Brock participates (Press Democrat)
Smith Named NFL Def. Rookie of Month (49ers.com)
Bruce Miller on KNBR (49ers.com)
O-Line Keeps It Moving (49ers.com)
Smith and Harbaugh own the podium (SJ Mercury News)
Aldon Smith joins Willis in award territory; plus injury updates (SJ Mercury News)
San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins - 2011 Week 9 (NFL.com)
Niners' Harbaugh wanted blood after fearless sack by Brooks (NFL.com)
The 49ers Are The NFL's Top Team (NBC Bay Area)
Could the 49ers clinch before Thanksgiving? (LA Times)
Alex Cool? Smith leads NFL in comebacks (Sando)
Mike Sando's MVP Watch (Sando)
NFC West: Injury situations that matter (Sando)
Which running backs see eight-man fronts (Sando)
49ers' Aldon Smith in good company (Sando)
Yesterday on Niners Nation
Golden Nuggets: Nine Sacks? Sign Aldon Smith Up | Ninjames
49ers Vs. Redskins: Random Stats | Fooch
49ers vs. Redskins Odds: 49ers Open As 4-1/2 Point Favorites | Fooch
49ers Vs. Redskins: Well, Hello Ryan Kerrigan And Brian Orakpo | Fooch
Alex Boone: What Does The Future Hold? | Fooch
49ers Vs. Redskins: When Comes Time To 'Open Up The Offense'? | Fooch
49ers Playoff Odds: The Boston Red Sox And The NFC West | Fooch
49ers Leadership And Creating An Environment For Success | Fooch
49ers vs. Redskins Injury Report: Ray McDonald Still Sidelined | Fooch
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