Niners Nation - 49ers vs. Dolphins: Injury News, Analysis, Recap"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png2012-12-10T13:30:03-08:00http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/stream/35116292012-12-10T13:30:03-08:002012-12-10T13:30:03-08:00The Booth Review: "Gore guts the 'Phins"
<figure>
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em>Welcome to <strong>The Booth Review</strong> where the 49ers Faithful can expect a weekly retelling and analysis of the game – Who were the star performers? Who dropped the ball? What went well, and what needs to get better? You can find all of those things along with my random musings right here, every week.</em></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Note to readers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is gonna be a brief one, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s finals week in college land, and this guy’s got a whole lot of papers to write and Shakespeare to read!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise to be back in action at full strength next week once my brain makes a complete recovery. </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the regular season winds down, the playoff picture in the NFC is still uncomfortably crowded. Despite losing to the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a>, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> still have a firm grip on the first seed, and with an important win over the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> on Sunday, the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> currently own the second seed. The <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>, <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a>, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a>, and yes, even division-rival <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> remain in hot pursuit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>SURF 'N TURF</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1854923/rush_TDs.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1854923/rush_TDs_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Rush_tds_medium"></a> <br id="1355106783894"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p>Somewhere in the back of my mind, I had the creeping notion that we were in for yet <i>another</i> overtime period, in which case, I would have just quit football forever. Fortunately, this wasn't the case as a trifecta of rushing touchdowns in the second half finished off the Dolphins.</p>
<p>First of all, how about that <span>Frank Gore</span>? For a second there, I thought maybe I had bumped my head and traveled back to 2006. Gore looked like he was running on a fresh set of legs and produced some of the most impressive runs I've seen from him in years.</p>
<p>Early in the third quarter, Miami returner <span>Marcus Thigpen</span> was back for the punt return but let the ball slip right through his hands and onto the grass. <span>C.J. Spillman</span> recovered the fumble to put the 49ers at the Dolphins' 9-yard line. Two plays later, Gore was in the end zone for the first touchdown of the game.</p>
<p><i>RB Frank Gore - 12 carries, 63 rushing yards (5.3 yards per carry), 1 rushing TD, 2 receptions, 22 receiving yards</i></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855091/gore.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855091/gore_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Gore_medium"></a> <br id="1355110814595"></p>
<p><i>SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 09: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Candlestick Park on December 9, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</i></p>
<p>Gore needs just one more rushing touchdown to surpass both Joe Perry (50) and Roger Craig (50) as the 49ers' all-time leader. He could have gotten it early in the fourth quarter after ducking, juking, and dashing 19 yards all the way down to Miami's 1-yard line, but on the very next play, he was spelled by Anthony Dixon who ran in the score.</p>
<p>Gore was eluding Dolphins tacklers all day, but he did receive one nasty hit in particular from...his right guard <span>Alex Boone</span>. In the third quarter, Boone was tailing Gore on a run and as Gore hit the brakes, Boone collided into his running back from behind.</p>
<p>"He keeps tackling me!" Gore exclaimed after the game, with a grin. "He's tackling me in Minnesota, in Seattle...I gotta ask him what he's got against me, man. I told him, 'you gotta stay off me, man! Let me get another touchdown!' "</p>
<p>Gore has now surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the sixth time in his career - the most by any 49er. Gore is only the second active player in the league to have six 1,000-yard seasons (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>' Steven Jackson is the other).</p>
<p>After the game, the Miami native was seen wearing quite a peculiar hooded sweatshirt:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855635/gores_sweater.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855635/gores_sweater_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Gores_sweater_medium"></a> <br>(Courtesy of Matt Barrows from The Sacramento Bee)</p>
<p>His explanation?</p>
<p>"I got this before the season," said Gore. "When I knew we had the Dolphins on the schedule, I said, we gotta flip them upside down when we play them, you know?"</p>
<p><span>Donte Whitner</span> heard him loud and clear:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1338023/bushbodyslam.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1338023/bushbodyslam_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Bushbodyslam_medium"></a></p>
<p>Rookie running back <span>LaMichael James</span> was activated for the first time all season, and even in a limited role, he was <i>very</i> impressive. With <span>Kendall Hunter</span> out for the season, the 49ers were desperately missing a quick and shifty change-of-pace runner who could cut it to the outside. With James, the 49ers have alleviated that need. James shows a rare second gear that not very many running backs have, and it was particularly noticeable on the kickoff returns. Simply put, the kid's got wheels, and I'm excited to see more of him in the future. James finished the day with 8 carries for 30 yards and 3 kickoff returns for 79 yards.</p>
<p>If the Dolphins had any dream of a comeback, they were rudely awaken by quarterback <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> who blazed down the field for a 50-yard touchdown run right before the two-minute warning. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought he was <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-11-28/colin-kaepernick-tattoos-49ers-qb-start-alex-smith-stats-contract-draft" target="_blank">a freshly-paroled convict</a>. <i>Zing!</i> I'm kidding - please don't hurt me. Kaepernick's rushing score was the longest by any 49ers quarterback, eclipsing Steve Young's legendary 49-yard touchdown run in 1988.</p>
<p>It should be noted that <span>Michael Crabtree</span> did an excellent job sealing off the cornerback to the left which helped open the huge lane for Kaepernick to run through.</p>
<p><b>FROM ONE CLOSER TO ANOTHER</b></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855195/aldon_smith.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855195/aldon_smith_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Aldon_smith_medium"></a><br id="1355112273245"></p>
<p>With <span>Aldon Smith</span> snagging two more sacks on Sunday, <span>Michael Strahan's</span> record inches ever closer to falling. The first sack occurred in the second quarter when Smith completely bull-rushed Dolphins' left tackle <span>Jonathan Martin</span> sending him flying backwards. Smith brings his season total to 19.5 sacks, a franchise best, and needs just 3.5 more to break Strahan's single-season league record. As he stands now, Smith is tied for ninth place all-time.</p>
<p>Smith has gathered quite a fan following with his prolific performance on the field. One of his biggest fans might be World Champion San Francisco Giants' closer Sergio Romo who donned a red #99 jersey on Sunday:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855563/aldon_signing_football.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1855563/aldon_signing_football_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Aldon_signing_football_medium"></a><br>(Courtesy of Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area)</p>
<p>"It's just the aggressiveness, the fearlessness, the confidence that he brings," said Romo, on what he likes about Smith's game. "He knows who he is, and what he has, and what he brings to the table. You really can't match his skill set either. He's kind of a freak."</p>
<p>Smith reciprocated the compliment with brevity.</p>
<p>"He's the truth, you know?" said Smith. "Everybody's seen it."</p>
<p>Next Sunday night, in what may very well be a Super Bowl preview, the 49ers travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts to face <span>Tom Brady</span> and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>. If the 49ers want any chance of leaving with a victory, they'll need to find some way to slow down the league's top-rated offense.</p>
<p>My recommendation? Unleash the Aldon.</p>
<p><i>Follow Anthony Ly on Twitter:</i> <a href="http://twitter.com/TheBellamores">@TheBellamores</a></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IS1Sb_kiNtA" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/10/3748886/49ers-vs-dolphins-recap-frank-gore-aldon-smith-colin-kaepernick-the-booth-reviewAnthony Ly2012-12-10T11:15:05-08:002012-12-10T11:15:05-08:0049ers snap count features injuries and rookies
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We break down the 49ers snap count from their 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> went into Sunday's game with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> continuing to figure out their running back and wide receiver situation, due to a mix of injuries and ineffectiveness. <span>Brandon Jacobs</span> got the backup spot behind Frank Gore in Week 13, but struggled to do much of anything in his limited snaps. The 49ers turned to LaMichael James, and the rookie stepped up in a big way. James had 15 snaps on offense and four on special teams, handling kick return duties. Although it was a relatively limited role, James did the most with these snaps, giving the 49ers a much-needed spark.</p>
<p>A.J. Jenkins made his on-field debut as well, albeit a bit quieter. He had eight snaps on offense, but was not targeted. Once the all-22 is available, I might try and find his snaps and put something together on what he did on the field. I recall seeing one tweet about how he had beaten his man on one play, but obviously did not get the pass.</p>
<p>The tougher news on the day saw Demarcus Dobbs and <span>Tavares Gooden</span> both suffer injuries. Dobbs suffered a knee injury and was limited to three defensive snaps and seven special teams snaps. Coach Harbaugh indicated after the game that he believes they may have dodged a bullet on this injury. Gooden suffered a rib injury and was limited to six special teams snaps.</p>
<p>Those injuries are of significance because Dobbs and Gooden are both among the team leader in special teams snaps. Dobbs has led the team in snaps every week he has been active, and Gooden is up near the top every week as well. We'll keep an eye out for the practice participation reports this week to see how limited they might be heading into Sunday Night Football.</p>
<p>You can read through the entire Gamebook <a target="_blank" href="http://nflgsis.com/2012/Reg/14/55707/Gamebook.pdf">HERE (PDF)</a>.</p>
<p>Offense had 57 total plays.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#efefef">
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p><b># of Plays</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><b>Name</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>57 (100%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Jonathan Goodwin</span>, <span>Joe Staley</span>, <span>Alex Boone</span>, Anthony Davis, <span>Mike Iupati</span>, <span>Vernon Davis</span>, <span>Colin Kaepernick</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>43 (75%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Michael Cratbree</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>40 (70%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Delanie Walker</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>39 (68%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Frank Gore</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>29 (51%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Bruce Miller</span>, <span>Randy Moss</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>15 (26%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>LaMichael James</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>10 (18%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Will Tukuafu</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>8 (14%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>A.J. Jenkins</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>4 (7%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Ted Ginn Jr.</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>3 (5%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Anthony Dixon, <span>Garrett Celek</span>, <span>Leonard Davis</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>2 (4%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Daniel Kilgore</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br>Defense had 61 total plays.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#efefef">
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p><b># of Plays</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><b>Name</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>61 (100%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Patrick Willis</span>, <span>Dashon Goldson</span>, <span>Tarell Brown</span>, <span>NaVorro Bowman</span>, <span>Donte Whitner</span>, <span>Carlos Rogers</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>59 (97%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Ahmad Brooks</span>, <span>Ray McDonald</span>, <span>Aldon Smith</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>53 (87%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Justin Smith</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>43 (70%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Chris Culliver</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>15 (25%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Isaac Sopoaga</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>8 (13%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Ricky Jean Francois</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>3 (5%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Demarcus Dobbs</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>2 (3%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Perrish Cox</span>, <span>Clark Haggans, </span><span class="sbn-auto-link">Will Tukuafu</span><span><br></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br>Here is the special teams breakdown for the entire team:</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#efefef">
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p><b># of Plays</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><b>Name</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>15 (73%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Tramaine Brock</span></span>, <span>Darcel McBath</span>, Will Tukuafu</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>14 (67%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Dixon, <span>C.J. Spillman</span>, <span>Michael Wilhoite</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>13 (63%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Bruce Miller</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>12 (57%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>Larry Grant</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>10 (37%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span>David Akers</span>, Garrett Celek</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>9 (33%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Andy Lee</span>, <span>Brian Jennings</span><br></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>7 (30%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Kilgore, Patrick Willis, Dashon Goldson, Demarcus Dobbs</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>6 (23%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Tavares Gooden</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>5 (20%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Ricky Jean Francois, Chris Culliver, Aldon Smith, Ray McDonald, Ahmad Brooks, Tarell Brown, Jonathan Goodwin, Joe Staley, Alex Boone, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>4 (13%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Delanie Walker, LaMichael James, Leonard Davis, NaVorro Bowman, Perrish Cox</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>3 (7%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Isaac Sopoaga</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="109">
<p>3 (7%)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="529">
<p>Ted Ginn Jr.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IS1Sb_kiNtA" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/10/3751038/49ers-snap-count-vs-dolphins-injuries-and-rookiesDavid Fucillo2012-12-09T17:01:01-08:002012-12-09T17:01:01-08:0049ers emerge with 27-13 win over Dolphins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/611A8UF3ROaagjCvasM_ALSWnxg=/0x88:4000x2755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4708317/20121209_tjg_ax5_247.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We break down the 49ers 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> improved to 9-3-1 on Sunday as they defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> 27-13. It was not a pretty game at times, but the 49ers took care of business and got a much-needed win. They remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, and they sit waiting to see how the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> do on Sunday Night Football. A Packers loss would give the 49ers a game and a half lead in the battle for a first round bye.</p>
<p>There was no single "star" of the game, but <span>LaMichael James</span> deserves all sorts of kudos. He finished with 45 rushing/receiving yards and 79 kick return yards, but his impact was distinctly felt. The rookie running back made the most of his first opportunity as he provided a spark that was clearly missing last week in <span>Kendall Hunter's</span> absence. It is safe to say James will be active next week.</p>
<p>Greg Roman indicated the team might cut back on <span>Frank Gore's</span> workload a bit, and it was very clear that was happening today. Gore rushed 12 times for 63 yards, but also made the most of his touches. He tied Joe Perry and Roger Craig with his 50th career rushing touchdown, and he surpassed 1,000 yards for the sixth time in his career.</p>
<p><span>Colin Kaepernick</span> put together a solid performance, although there remain areas for improvement. He had what is turning into a weekly highlight reel play when he closed out the game with a 50-yard touchdown run. He has to work on his touch, but on plays where a strong throw was needed, he showed what he can bring to the table. The key is just better figuring out when to take a little more off the pass.</p>
<p>The 49ers defense had their moments as well. They played bend but don't break at times, but they did avoid breaking for the most part. <span>Aldon Smith</span> added two more sacks to set the 49ers franchise single season sack record. He continues to bear down on <span>Michael Strahan's</span> single season sack record, trailing by 3.5 sacks with three games remaining. Oh, and one of those games is at home against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p>The 49ers face a monstrous test next week as they travel to Foxboro to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. I'd really hope this game was more a case of looking ahead to New England, and we see a bigger performance next week. It's a huge road game, particularly with the Seattle Seahawks staying hot on the 49ers back.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748466/49ers-vs-dolphins-final-score-recapDavid Fucillo2012-12-09T16:07:00-08:002012-12-09T16:07:00-08:00Colin Kaepernick likes his tattoos
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vkvWyGMDElTcfZFcrZ9bGqPVntg=/0x318:2763x2160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4707415/158032307.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colin Kaepernick made a gesture to his tattoos, likely in response to David Whitley's article</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> quarterback <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> put the final nail in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> coffin on Sunday with a 50-yard touchdown run. The run gave the 49ers a 27-13 lead, and wrapped up what had otherwise been a rather tense affair.</p>
<p>Recently, an AOL columnist wrote an article denigrating Kaepernick for his tattoos. He wanted more clean-cut players, and there was even a tinge of racism in the article. Kaepernick has not acknowledged much about the article, but Sunday he appears to have referenced it. After running in his touchdown, Kaepernick brushed the tattoos on his right arm and then kissed the arm.</p>
<p>Take that David Whitley.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337603/colinluvstats.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337603/colinluvstats.gif" class="photo" alt="Colinluvstats"></a></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748454/colin-kaepernick-brushes-tattoos-after-50-yard-touchdown-runDavid Fucillo2012-12-09T15:09:42-08:002012-12-09T15:09:42-08:0049ers-Dolphins fourth quarter thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T7jzolqx9JEh_RrqG7dC_UEd8ns=/0x97:4000x2764/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4705035/20121209_jla_ax5_250.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Your fourth quarter discussion thread</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> finally got a touchdown on the board in the third quarter, but this remains a one possession game. We need to see some more points from the 49ers. That much is clear.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748268/49ers-vs-dolpins-fourth-quarter-game-threadDavid Fucillo2012-12-09T14:54:50-08:002012-12-09T14:54:50-08:00Frank Gore ties 49ers franchise TD record
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gb_i6UITj2Qxz4LFg47rVM3EmbY=/98x0:3902x2536/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4704169/20121209_jla_ax5_251.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We break down Frank Gore's 50th career touchdown run</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> running back <span>Frank Gore</span> rushed for a key third quarter touchdown, giving the 49ers a 13-3 lead. The touchdown is an even bigger deal because of the historical significant. This run marked his 50th career rushing touchdown, which evened him up with Joe Perry and Roger Craig for the most rushing touchdowns in 49ers history. The one yard plunge also moved him to 999 rushing yards this season. One more yard will give Gore his sixth career 1,000-yard rushing season.</p>
<p>As the GIF below shows, it was a pretty perfect run for Gore to reach the 50-TD mark. </p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337501/goretd.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337501/goretd.gif" class="photo" alt="Goretd"></a></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748198/frank-gore-rushing-touchdown-vs-dolphins-ties-49ers-franchise-recordDavid Fucillo2012-12-09T14:27:47-08:002012-12-09T14:27:47-08:0049ers-Dolphins first half recap, 3Q thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vUSTSN05M-rs5CGY8s2RCrEjn3I=/48x0:3951x2602/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4702863/20121209_jla_ax5_253.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We break down the first half, and open a thread for third quarter discussion</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> put together an often snooze-inducing first half as both sides were a bit sloppy at times. There was some excitement and the 49ers do hold a 6-3 lead heading into the third quarter, but it has not been the prettiest of football.</p>
<p>The two big highlights for the 49ers have to be <span>Aldon Smith</span> and <span>LaMichael James</span>. <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3747982/aldon-smith-sack-49ers-single-season-record-gif-jonathan-martin/in/3511629" target="_blank">Smith set the 49ers single season sack record</a> as he now has 18.5 sacks on the season. James has looked very sharp in his first action of the season. James is returning kicks, spelling <span>Frank Gore</span> and generally providing an explosive option that was missing when <span>Kendall Hunter</span> went down. James had three rushes for 12 yards, a reception for 15 yards and a kick return of 34 yards. Not too shabby so far.</p>
<p><span>Colin Kaepernick</span> is completing passes, sitting at 12 of 15 for 133 yards, but the offense is struggling to get the ball in the end zone. The Kaepernick to <span>Michael Crabtree</span> connection has been the key thus far for the passing game, as Crabtree has five catches for 62 yards. We'll see how the 49ers come out in the second half. A 6-3 lead is better than nothing, but the 49ers need to get a little bit more consistent in the second half.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748112/49ers-vs-dolphins-first-half-recap-third-quarter-open-threadDavid Fucillo