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We're less than 12 hours away from the 49ers season opener, which means it is time once against for some predictions. The predictions will include:
- the first offensive play the 49ers will run/attempt to execute,
- the first player on defense (not special teams) who will make a tackle, and
- how the team's first touchdown will be scored (if you think one will be scored).
Last week, everyone provided their predictions for 49ers-Packers. Originally I was thinking this would be a one-off thing, but now I think it will be fun to do this every week. Normally, it will probably post on Saturday, but for this week, with the late Sunday game, I'll post it now.
Here are the results from last week:
1. First offensive play: Colin Kaepernick incomplete pass to Kyle Williams
Winners (got Kap attempt to KW, but both said completion): BigMar, ninerfansince1966
2. First defensive tackle: NaVorro Bowman, Justin Smith
Winners (picking one or both guys): JHill26, GPRawr (got correct player tackled), bmr01, Rhardin49, rlott#42, CRSenadenos, slc9erfan, ak4niner, El Shorts, TryAndCatchVD, 49erLou, Iupati_like_its_1999, aalbert08, Pat Willie, Jerryriceisthebest
3. First 49ers touchdown: Colin Kaepernick 20-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis
Winners (getting Kap to VD): bmr01, PJClint, alginald.hart, GPRawr, jbusch8, Wayneboro_PA_49er, Jerryriceisthebest
For this year, you can find the ground rules below. The prize for correctly guessing a category is bragging rights.
Offensive Play Prediction Guidelines: Try to be as specific as you can on what you think the 49ers' first offensive play will be. Don't just say "pass play" or "run play". Instead, say "Kaepernick throws a slant route to Boldin for 7 yards" or "Frank Gore runs right side and picks up three yards." You can also predict incompletions, interceptions, fumbles, touchdowns, and even a safety if you really think that will happen on the first offensive play!
Defensive Tackle Prediction Guidelines: Predicting the first defensive play is much more obscure, so this one is a simpler category -- project who you think will make the team's first tackle that does not come on special teams or a returned interception/fumble.
First Touchdown Against Seattle: If you do not think the 49ers will score a touchdown, then say "no touchdowns" as your answer. Otherwise, predict how you think the 49ers' first offensive touchdown will be scored, along with the person(s) who will score. You can predict it to be on offense, defense, or special teams. If you predict a passing touchdown, name both the quarterback and the receiver.
Here is the template you can copy+paste for your comments:
First Offensive Play:
First Defensive Tackle:
First Touchdown:
Here are my predictions...
First Offensive Play: Handoff to Frank Gore from offset I formation; Gore goes off right guard for three yards
First Defensive Tackle: LB Patrick Willis with the tackle
First Touchdown: Colin Kaepernick to Kyle Williams for a 35-yard touchdown