Golden Nuggets: Finish Off The Game

The Niners find themselves with a 1-2 record for the 2nd year in a row. This Sunday will be a big test for the team with the Philadelphia Eagles riding a 3-0 start to their season. Each one of their games, they have started off behind and won the game. They possess playmakers on offense who are capable of wrecking havoc. Shady McCoy and Darren Sproles are 2 of the most dangerous players in any backfield. Jeremy Maclin is able to stretch the field.

This Sunday comes down to how the Niners offense can perform especially during the dreaded 2nd half. They need to show a killer instinct. These touchdown-less 2nd halves will not cut it if they are trying to be a top tier team. Even though the Eagles D has played reasonably well, I don't think the Niners should have too much trouble running/throwing on them. The Niners should use Gore/Hyde much more, but still show off those 5 WR sets to keep the Eagles off balance. And with Vernon Davis hopefully back, the vertical threat is back for this team.

The Niners defense needs to have a big game. The Eagles have a few offensive threats, but the biggest issues for the Niners defense to overcome is their lack of pass rush and their penalties. We knew they would suffer with Aldon Smith out, but I don't think anyone thought it would be like this. The squad of Lemonier, Skuta, and Lynch have been unable to able to apply any sort of pressure on opposing QBs. The coaches will have to figure out how to apply pressure, but also keep eyes on the duo of McCoy/Sproles. As we have seen countless times, they possess the ability to destroy defenses. The penalties are due to being undisciplined. The penalties have led to 8 3rd downs being turned into 1st downs. That kills defenses. This team was built on being disciplined and right now it is not showing it. The leaders of the team need to settle the team down and focus on playing Niners football.

On to the links!

49ers Links

Sign him. Sign him right now | What To Do About Harbaugh (Kawakami)

Boldin is a veteran. I expect better than receiving an unnecessary penalty on the 6 yard line | Boldin, Culliver Disciplined In Camp (Maiocco)

This is welcome news | TEs To Return (Biderman)

The story keeps going | Kap Used Inappropriate Language (Roberts)

Glad to see them using their weapons |Harbaugh Pleased With 5 WR Sets (Barrows)

Bears Player Confirms Kap Used Slur (Maiocco)

Film Review (Gutierrez)

So are the Faithful | Harbaugh Ready To See Team Bounce Back (Williams)

Every drive they have given Tds on seems to be helped by terrible penalties. Need to clean up the act | 8 Penalties Kept Drives Alive (Maiocco)

Flag Filled Season So Far (Barrows)

Or your offensive play calling stopped the offense. Get it together Greg! This is nothing new from you | Greg Roman Thinks Penalties Stopped Offense In 2nd Half (Inman)

This story will not go away anytime soon | Michigan Ready To Move For Jim? (Florio)

No Limp: VD Could Be Back (Barrows)

Vernon Ready To Face Eagles (Inman)

Power Ranking (Gutierrez)

QB Johnson Resigned (Maiocco)

Vernon "Feeling Great" (Alper)

Kap Unlikely To Win Appeal (Barrows)

10 Facts About 49ers-Eagles (Pentis)

Locker Room Observations (49ers Staff)

Let's right the ship just as we did last year fellas | Niners Familiar With 1-2 Record (Price)

No Conspiracy On Penalties (BASG)