Golden Nuggets: Preparing for Rams; Midseason grades and accolades

Good morning to all. How is everyone in Ninersland? Everything is good here, down under. The sun is coming out more frequently, the birds are singing. Ah, springtime. I did that just to get people jealous. I'm a bastard. Yesterday was a holiday here and it's hard to go back to work on a Wednesday. No complaints, but why not have the damn holiday on the Monday. Is anyone at the steering wheel of this place?

As for the 49ers, they're getting ready for the Rams after the bye week, Aldon Smith is denying rumors and some of the guys have gotten some midseason kudos. Pro Football Weekly has given their midseason team and there are no 49ers defenders on there. Initially it's a shock to the system, but if you go through the stats, nobody jumps out. We don't have a lot of turnovers caused or sacks...just a whole bunch of three-and-outs. Three-and-out makes your defensive coordinator wet himself with joy but does not get your defense to the Pro Bowl.

Week 10: Rams at 49ers

Football descends on San Francisco once again and our Niners take on the cellar dweller Rams. It's our third straight matchup against a division foe and the Rams have had some decent showings this season. We've had a long time to prepare, however and should take it to them. | 49ers vs Rams: All you need to know for week 10. (Brady)

49ers present Rams with different challenge. (Sando)

Assorted 49ers News

Christian Gin has some thoughts from the first half of the season. He wouldn't be much of a writer if he didn't. Just teasing, in case you're reading Mr Gin. He notes how Alex Boone has excelled and Michael Crabtree has emerged as the go-to guy. | 49ers' midseason report: Five observations from the first half. (Gin)

BASG discussed and dissects exactly how Alex Smith got otherworldly on the Cardinals a little while back. He examined the film, and Alex was just as responsible as the receivers for creating the yards after catch in that game. Let's hope the second half of the year goes more like the Cardinals game and less like the Giants game. | All-22: Alex Smith beat Cardinals with his arm, brain and eyes. (BASG)

Who would you pick as the 49ers' defensive MVP for the first half? The choice here may surprise you, but I've been secretly thinking how well this guy's been playing. | Surprises amid 49ers' success. (Branch)

You know what I'm really glad that I never have to think about...the salary cap. There's more to Matt Maiocco's mailbag than salary cap crap. | Cap planning for next year. (Maiocco)

What is it? (Is it) What is it? (Is it) What is it?...anyone following me here? | Ahmad Brooks brings it. (49ers.com)

49ers make roster moves with injured rookies Darius Fleming and Jewel Hampton. (Barrows)

Q&A with Gideon Yu. (49ers.com)

New stadium reaches latest milestone. (49ers.com)

Alex Smith agrees attention given Vernon Davis unprecedented. (Branch)

Aldon Smith terms report he was attacked absurd. (Branch)

Frank Gore recharged for second half. (49ers.com)

Aldon Smith learning from mistakes. (Branch)

Mid-year grades. (Branch)

Assorted League / Division / Power Rankings

The 49ers have wrestled control of the NFC West during week 9. How did they do it? Bye week! | 49ers in control of division after week 9. (Bay Area SB Nation)

Don't know if anyone noticed but there was a big vote yesterday. Yeah, power rankings. 49ers are fourth...I'd ask for a recount but I don't have a congressman to petition. | NFL power rankings: How they voted. (Sando)

Pro Football Weekly has announced their all-midseason team and two 49ers are on it. Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis (Fooch's note: And, my man, Andy Lee). That's right folks, our two linemen drafted a few picks apart a few years ago beat out every single one of our top ranked defenders to get the coveted honor. Iupati was a unanimous choice! It's hard to argue with the work the boys up front have been doing, it's just a bit shocking to not have a defender, although, none of them have a stat line that jumps out at you. | Mike Iupati unanimous pick in PFW's midseason awards; no 49ers defenders honored. (Inman)

I don't like playing this game any sooner than the midway point. Without further ado... | If the playoffs began tomorrow. (Barrows)

Videos and Other Media

The boys over at 49ers.com really know how to party. Here's a video who's title explains itself. | Precast concrete installation. (49ers.com)

49ers' total access: Show #12. (49ers.com)

Press pass: Frank Gore. (49ers.com)

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