Golden Nuggets: Brock to Basics

If Jim Harbaugh were to host a reality show, it would be called Meritocracy, and the latest episode would feature one Tramaine Brock. T-Brock has no football pedigree to speak of: He was not an all-state player in high school, nor was he recruited by any NCAA schools, and the university he graduated from is best known for being founded as a finishing school for young ladies. That's why he is just the perfect player to thrive in Jim's World (Williamson) where performance is king and the "next-man-up" is expected to step up (Inman).

Brock dropped significantly in the depth chart to begin the season, but with early injuries to Chris Culliver (in training camp) and Nnamdi Asomugha, he has been able to take advantage of extra playing time (Inman). In two games at the 3rd CB position, he has recorded 4 tackles, 2 interceptions and that pick-6 which set the tone for defensive dominance (NN) in the game against the Houston Texans (BASG). He has also provided good press coverage and shown an ability to anticipate well against opposing QBs.

Indeed Brock has been a big help in leading the team back to "Niners' Football". Rushing has returned (Scout) as the focus of the offense. I know a lot of people are concerned about the the passing game (Barrows) especially Colin Kaepernick, but be patient and this will be worked out too. The defense is getting better pressure on the QB and the secondary has tightened up (Price) especially in the red zone. All this has happened with key starters injured and unheralded players (Williamson) are providing a spark. Things are looking up because the lighter part of the schedule is coming up and more help is on the way (Maiocco). And NO i'm not talking about a possible trade (Barrows) for Josh Gordon, because it is highly unlikely (Maiocco) that Trent Baalke will pull the trigger on that.

Odds and ends

A look back at some notables from the Houston game. | Upon Further Review: San Francisco 49ers (ESPN)

Colin Kaepernick clothes more NFL fans than any other player. See, he does his part for society! | Colin Kaepernick's No. 7 jersey remains NFL's top seller (NFL)

Who's the NFC elite? Two of these were expected and the other one not so much. | Saints, Seahawks and 49ers separating from NFC pack (BASG)

Tell BASG your best Candlestick memory, win some tickets to 49ers-Cardinals | BASG

More Infographic goodness | Infographic: 49ers vs. Texans Recap (49ers)

It pays to have big mits, Tony Jerod-Eddie! | Morning Tailgate: Tony Jerod-Eddie's First INT (49ers)

For Thanksgiving this year, I would like some turkey with Crabtree sauce. | Crabtree back in time to play Saints? (Williamson)

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