Golden Nuggets: That Man Can Coach

Does the Coach of the Year award have to go to a head coach? If not, Vic Fangio would be top candidate. This guy always has his troops ready to play. The next man up motto is visible with this man and his defensive unit. Missing Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman, and Patrick Willis for the last couple weeks. No matter, this defense competes with all its sweat and blood. All those star players missing and the team is still ranked #2 defensively. The defense bent a couple times Sunday, but made big plays that affected the game. And no bigger than the Ahmad Brooks strip sack of Drew Brees in overtime that made us all believe in karma again. The 1st thing on Brooks' mind when getting ready to hit Brees must have been don't go near his head at all. Luckily for us, it was clean and a clear fumble.

The defense set the tempo on the first series of the game by intercepting Brees and returning it to the home team's 19 yard line. All the offense had to do was hand the ball to that tank in the backfield and within 3 plays, he scored. With the Niners holding on to a 21-10 lead late in the 2nd quarter, the defense struck again and intercepted a pass in the end zone to hold the lead into halftime. In the 2nd half, the defense seemed to be gassed from the amount of time they were on the field and the Saints were able to take a lead 24-21. However, Kaepernick and the offense were able to complete a big 4th down and kick a game-tying FG to send the game to overtime.

On the Saint's 2nd drive of overtime, Ahmad Brooks was able to get free of his block and hit Brees' arm. Ball was out and one of the 'Next Man Up' players, Chris Borland, recovered the ball. Phil Dawson kicks the field goal and the Niners escape with the win. With all the injuries that mounts up with this defensive team, Vic Fangio continues to have them game ready every week.

49ers Links

Refocus (Monson)

Rookie Snap Count (Barrows)

Can someone find Boldin's hands? He used to catch everything. I don't know what the problem is | What's With The Drops Boldin? (Gutierrez)

Need to build on this win | Still A Long Way To Go (Gantt)

Win Keeps Team In Playoff Hunt (Maiocco)

HAND THE BALL TO FRANK GORE | Offensive Potential (Maiocco)

It's a clear offensive pass interference. It's a textbook penalty | No Flop (Florio)

This was a tease. All the reports were wrong | Aldon Fulfilled Requirements (Florio)

Better showing, but much more to improve on | Offensive Report Card (Gin)

Considering the team and the location, a good game from the defense. We expect it from this team | Defensive Report Card (Gin)

Well Armed (Williams)

No Charges For McDonald (Salonga, Emmons)

We will never know the truth behind this. It's over now. Let's move on | Was McDonald Investigation Fair? (Kawakami)

Niners Believed McDonald (Gin)

Who Could Be Cut To Make Room On Roster (Gin)

Dawson Kicks Game Winning FG (Price)

We have been teased for weeks now. Let's see him back in action | Harbaugh On Aldon's Return (Gutierrez)

Due Process Worked Itself Out (Ruthless Sports Guy)

We all are ready | Harbaugh Ready To Welcome Aldon Back (Kroichick)

Action Cam (49ers Video)

Reason To Be Upbeat (Corkran)

Looking Forward To Smith's Return (Biderman)

Good to see the team remember to bring Frank Gore with them to New Orleans. Maybe they should pack some of the receivers' hands with them next time | Run-Pass Balance In Win (Price)

McDonald Cleared, Smith To Return (Barrows)

Bowman To Practice This Week? (Maiocco)

Niners, McDonald Issue Statements (49ers Staff)

Niners Weather Storm (Thompson II)

Bowman Update (Emerick)

Another Smith Resigns (Maiocco)

So simple. The coaches make it complicated sometimes | Feed The Tank (Gutierrez)