San Francisco 49ers Discussion

adrian522 · 08-10-2012 2:40pm

Wow!!

So is the AFC East the new NFC West?

Combined score over the last 2 games 79-3.

That is pretty insane to be honest. to be fair Buffalo and the Jets aren't exactly the best teams in the league but I wouldn't have thought they would be the worst teams in the league either.

So yesterday the 49ers set the franchise record for most offensive yards in a game (621). That's pretty impressive given some of the big offenses we've had in the past.

It was also the first time a team has had over 300 yards through the air and over 300 on the ground. Whatever way you look at it the offense is certainly starting to click, picking up first downs, Smith making good throws and going deep when the situation calls for it.

Smith also apprently picked up a finger injury but isn't too worried by it.

Also the 49ers are working Kaepernick into the offense more and more via the Wildcat/Read Option, which will obviously keep defnces on their toes.

Interestingly, despite all the plays made the offense Randy Moss continues to be a peripheral figure, which I find quite strange.

On the other side of the ball the 49ers defense continues to play well, taking the ball away and shutting down the opposition. I know it's only October and some of the teams we've played have not been great but things are certainly looking good right now.

I guess we will know a lot more about where we stand next week once the Giants roll into town and we still have to play the Bears, Patriots and Saints as well as all the division games.

The rest of the NFL west is also looking stronger with the seahawks getting another impressive win yesterday. Some big games in the weeks ahead.

mickmc7 · 09-10-2012 8:07pm

I still haven't gotten around to seeing any of Sundays game but it all sounds good from reports ive read. Seems theyve put the vikings defeat behind them. Long road ahead but dare we dream????

adrian522 · 09-10-2012 9:09pm

mickmc7 wrote: »

I still haven't gotten around to seeing any of Sundays game but it all sounds good from reports ive read. Seems theyve put the vikings defeat behind them. Long road ahead but dare we dream????

Probably too early to get too carried away, Bills and Jets were both terrible and as someone pointed out to me we havn't beaten a team with a winning record but I do think we can dream of going one step further than last year.

Obviously we still have to play all 6 divisional games but things are certainly looking good so far.

adrian522 · 11-10-2012 11:18am

Looks like the 49ers are heading back to London. While the Jaguars aren't great currently it's still a great oppurtunity to see the 49ers play live.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000079298/article/san-francisco-49ers-to-play-jaguars-in-london-in-2013?module=HP11_headline_stack

mickmc7 · 11-10-2012 11:31am

adrian522 wrote: »

Looks like the 49ers are heading back to London. While the Jaguars aren't great currently it's still a great oppurtunity to see the 49ers play live.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000079298/article/san-francisco-49ers-to-play-jaguars-in-london-in-2013?module=HP11_headline_stack

Just heard this. Fantastic news.

adrian522 · 15-10-2012 9:15am

So 49ers were pretty much put in their place by the Giants yesterday and were beaten all over the field. Main takeaways for me:

Kaepernick/Smith switching in and out is fine when the offense is motoring and it's not critical but on 3rd and long it seems a bad move as Kaepernick is coming in cold and it takes Smith out if his rhythm.

I'd like to see the 49ers lean on their receivers a bit more, particularly Moss who has been used very sparingly.

Harbaugh really needs to learn not to challenge when there is no chance of it being successful, not the first time this has happened.

Carlos Rodgers dropped a few possible interceptions and the 49ers also gave up a couple of big kick returns (not for the first time this season)

Joe Stately suffered a concussion which will mean he will be unlikely to play on Thursday night against Seattle.

Up until now the 49ers have had a lot of things go their way, very few injuries, good special teams play, they came up with take away's on defence and didn't turn the ball over, let's hope that this game is not the start of a pattern.

49ers now have a short week and really need to bounce back at home against the seahawks. At least the other teams in the division also struggled yesterday so a win next week could see the 49ers take control of the division but the performance needs to improve in all phases.

adrian522 · 15-10-2012 4:41pm

Another disappointing aspect to last nights game is we have now lost to 2 potential rivals for wildcard spots so we will probably need to win the division in order to go to the playoffs, making the next 3 games absolutely crucial given 1 game seperates all 4 teams and a 3 way tie at the top currently.

mickmc7 · 15-10-2012 5:36pm

Agree with everything youve said Adrian, nothing else to add really. No turnovers or sacks whilst turning it over ourselves a shed load. Not good. Will the real 49'ers please stand up? Lets hope that was just a blip of sorts. Important few weeks now.

mickmc7 · 19-10-2012 8:37am

Important win last night which is main thing. Delighted with the defensive shutout in the second half, not so happy about the offence. Seems Smith had a stinker.

adrian522 · 19-10-2012 11:06am

Well, Smith seemed to struggle at times last night. There was one interception in the end zone which could have been crucial.

That play happened on 3rd and Goal after Colin Kaepernick came in for the 2nd down play (Read Option - not really foooling anyone with that) and again I'd say that disrupted Alex and his rhythm.

It can't be good for his confidence to have to keep coming out of the game like that. On the upside that was the only time that happened last night.

In the second half the 49ers offense was much better, in the first half Smith was forcing some passes to the WR's even though they were pretty well covered, in the 2nd half there was a lot more short passes to Gore and Hunter and also 49ers ran the ball much better.

Gore was excellent last night catching passes and making good gains as well as running the ball well. He seemed to pick up an injury late on, hopefully it is nothing serious.

Defensively we struggled to contain Lynch at times and Wilson made some good throws that were dropped by his WR's. We could have found ourselves further behind in that first half.

In the second half the defense really showed up and the Seahawks couldn't get anything going. Aldon Smith came up with a huge sack on the last possession of the game.

49ers gave up a lot of stupid penalties which could have been much more costly than they were, including one which kept a drive alive that would otherwise have ended in a punt.

Harbaugh didn't make any silly challenges but he did try at one point but it was not a unchallengeable play (pointless anyway as even if the Seahawks player had fumbled they recovered the ball so the 49ers were not getting it anyway).

The 49ers also turned down a safety at the end (declined a penalty that meant the Seahawks turned it over on downs) -not great if you'd backed 49ers-7.

Overall a good win and one that could be crucial as this division looks to be very tight. Next 2 games are divisional as well so 2 wins would put us in control of the division.

Itssoeasy · 19-10-2012 4:44pm

I've a question about Brandon Jacobs, if he isn't injured then why has he not played for the 49ers since signing him ?

adrian522 · 19-10-2012 4:46pm

I've no idea, he gave an interview before the Giants game basically saying he was fit to play and couldn't understand himself. He was at least suited up last night but he's 3rd on the depth chart at the moment behind gore and hunter.

eagle eye · 19-10-2012 5:33pm

Jacobs is clearly a moaner and possibly not a great locker room presence. I think they made a mistake signing him. He has had fumble issues for the last couple of years too.

I think they made a mistake signing him. Kendall Hunter looks pretty special to me and Dixon has looked decent in his limited opportunities and then you got your rookie LaMichael James.

Chardee MacDennis · 19-10-2012 7:25pm

eagle eye wrote: »

Jacobs is clearly a moaner and possibly not a great locker room presence. I think they made a mistake signing him. He has had fumble issues for the last couple of years too.

I think they made a mistake signing him. Kendall Hunter looks pretty special to me and Dixon has looked decent in his limited opportunities and then you got your rookie LaMichael James.

I'd have all 4 of them ahead of Jacobs to be honest!

eagle eye · 19-10-2012 8:06pm

I remember hearing one of the commentators saying last night that Marshawn Lynch is probably the most underrated back in the league. I actually think its Gore who is that. Clearly he is a huge hero for 49ers fans but everytime you hear a discussion about the best RBs he is never mentioned which I think is very unfair. The man is so unlucky not to be going for his 7th consecutive 1000 yard season. He has been super consistent since he came into the league. Other guys come along and put up big numbers for a couple of seasons but he has done the same thing year in, year out for quite a while now. Only for the injury in 2010 people would probably be wondering if he could go on long enough to emulate Emmet Smith. What he is going this year is unreal.

adrian522 · 22-10-2012 12:07pm

Good weekend for the 49ers, with the Cardinals and the Rams both losing. If the 49ers can come away from Arizona with a win next Monday night, they'll be well set heading into the bye week.

If they lose however the whole division will be wide open again.

Next weeks games are:

Seahawks @ Lions
Patriots @ Rams
49ers @ Cardinals

Current Standings

49ers 5-2
Cardinals 4-3
Seahawks 4-3
Rams 3-4

adrian522 · 19-11-2012 5:20pm

Alex Smith OUT for 49ers vs. Bears on Monday Night Football. Colin Kaepernick vs. Jason Campbell tonight? Bet the under.

Dymo · 19-11-2012 11:09pm

Time for Kaepernick to stand up and we can see how good he is, I haven't been overly impressed with him so far so hopefully this will change tonight.

adrian522 · 20-11-2012 4:28am

Dymo wrote: »

Time for Kaepernick to stand up and we can see how good he is, I haven't been overly impressed with him so far so hopefully this will change tonight.

I presume you're a bit more impressed now?

mickmc7 · 20-11-2012 8:45am

Very impressive win, Kaepernick was superb by all accounts. And Aldon Smith is a machine!

Dymo · 20-11-2012 1:18pm

adrian522 wrote: »

I presume you're a bit more impressed now?

Definitely, great game for his first NFL start quick hands and has great potential to be a effective running back. Kaepernick's numbers pass completions 16-of-23, 243 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions! were impressive, especially given that they were compiled against the NFL's second-stingiest scoring defense coming in. He made smart, confident decisions and he attacked the opposing secondary without hesitation, something Alex Smith isn't always encouraged or is he even equipped to do.

Kapernick and Aldon Smith first 2 picks in the 2011 draft

adrian522 · 20-11-2012 1:40pm

That 2011 draft class looks excellent now:

Aldon Smith(1st), Colin Kaepernick (2nd), Chris Culliver(3rd), Kendall Hunter(4th), Daniel Kilgore(5th),Bruce Miller(7th).

2012 Daft not looking so good as we haven't seen any of the drafted players feature as of yet, but early days yet. Also stockpiled extra picks for 2013.

matthew8 · 20-11-2012 7:03pm

You guys have to be considering trading Kaepernick. Considering the state of the QB class, plenty of teams might be willing to trade a first.

Podge_irl · 20-11-2012 7:11pm

matthew8 wrote: »

You guys have to be considering trading Kaepernick. Considering the state of the QB class, plenty of teams might be willing to trade a first.

I would imagine they're more likely to consider starting Kaepernick...

adrian522 · 20-11-2012 10:18pm

Interesting discussion, I wouldn't like to go overboard based on 1 performance but I would imagine that Kaepernick would be the 49ers starter before he would be traded,

Good QB's are far too scarce to be traded away lightly. I think Smith will be the QB for the rest of the year but Kepernick to take over sometime next season.

Harbaugh said he "usually goes with the hot hand" but that he also thinks he has 2 QB's with a hot hand right now, read into that what you will.

The only way you would trade him away is if you feel Alex Smith is the QB for the next 5+ years and I don't think that's the case.

Morrisseeee · 21-11-2012 9:25am

Just watched the highlights there and I'm impressed with Kaepernick. He moves well, is aware in the pocket & throws well when on the run.................he reminded me a little of Elway !! /hyperbole

adrian522 · 21-11-2012 11:28am

So far he's been compared to Brady, Elway, Montana and Young. No pressure.

UnitedIrishman · 21-11-2012 2:01pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

I would imagine they're more likely to consider starting Kaepernick...

Surely that would be the case. The problem with Smith is that although he's a decent QB, he isn't exactly the guy you would look towards getting it done in crunch time in the playoffs or a player that could create something out of nothing. Like that Giants game last season - at no point did I think Smith was going to grab the game in OT and drive downfield for the win.

Given Kaepernick's arm strength and running ability, that'd be who the 49ers should be looking towards. I mean, it's not long ago they were looking beyond Smith (albeit towards Manning who you couldn't turn down) - so if the opportunity is continued to be taken by Kaepernick, he should be starter.

Of course, he could come out next week and throw 5 INT's and we'll all be saying why wasn't Smith playing! :P

frostie500 · 21-11-2012 2:19pm

There should be no discussion whatsoever about the starting QB for the Niners. They are team with genuine Superbowl prospects and while Kaepernick might have a higher ceiling that Alex Smith if you were coaching the team would you be willing to take the risk?

I wouldnt and I'd stick with Smith. He has shown in the last 18 months that he is more than a functional game manager. He is a top QB when he is playing in that system and could anyone really come in and be a considerable upgrade? Smith has lost five games in the last year and a half and this season he is playing very well. He is averaging over 8 yards per attempt and rarely turns the ball over (with the exception of the Giants game), completes 70% of his passes and has a QB rating of over 100.

I'm not saying that Smith is a Brady/Rodgers/Manning but for the Niners he is a very productive player that in this system can excel

Morrisseeee · 21-11-2012 2:40pm

I'm definitely not (seriously) comparing him to Elway,Montana etc, it's just he reminded me of Elway the way he moved & throwed on the run the other night.

The 49ers have a problem, but I guess it's a good problem. Remember the way the 49ers went after Manning ! and if you now add in the way Kaepernick is playing, I'm guessing Smith is the one that's sweating it !!

adrian522 · 21-11-2012 2:57pm

Smith has been playing really well though, only 2 incompletion's in his last 2 games (one of which was cut short by injury) so I don't think there is any real chance of a change this season.

Once he is declared fit he will return as the starter but he will know the backup is breathing down his neck. Hopefully that will bring the best out of him.

Agree with Frostie above, no point in making a change while things are going so well. Probably see a little more in the way of Kaeprnick coming in on certain scenarios but Smith will be the starter.

I do however think that there will be a proper QB competition at training camp next year.

No matter what way you cut it this is good news for SF, a couple of years ago we were chopping and changing and seemed to have an endless supply of mediocre QB's, now we seem to have 2 decent starting options.,

adrian522 · 22-11-2012 9:22am

Here we go:

"BREAKING: Jim Harbaugh has informed Alex Smith that Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday, per source. Said decision not based on health."

Jim Trotter Sports Illustrated.

mickmc7 · 22-11-2012 9:40am

adrian522 wrote: »

Here we go:

"BREAKING: Jim Harbaugh has informed Alex Smith that Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday, per source. Said decision not based on health."

Jim Trotter Sports Illustrated.

I trust Harbaugh completely but this is such a risky call if true. As Frostie said above, we are in such a great position now, why make such a pivotal change at this point. If the season were to go tits up from here the blame would lay squarely with Harbaugh. On the flip side, it could be a master stroke!

adrian522 · 22-11-2012 9:45am

I guess he wants to find out if Colin is the real deal or a once off. Very harsh on Alex though, who leads the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt.

If Kaep can perform at the level he did against the bears it obviously improves the team greatly. If not, he can always go back to Alex.

Also the Saints defense is pretty poor, and Kaep may be in a better position to take advantage of that. Who knows what the thinking behind it is, but pretty exciting times no matter how you look at it.

More Links:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000098964/article/colin-kaepernick-not-alex-smith-reportedly-49ers-qb

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000098972/article/colin-kaepernick-is-right-qb-for-san-francisco-49ers

lava_man · 22-11-2012 9:54am

I trust Harbaugh. He knows Smiths limitations. This isn't a decision based on a 1 week performance. They see Kaep in practice everyday.

adrian522 · 22-11-2012 11:23pm

Greg Roman insisting no decision made on starting QB. Also says Alex not yet cleared for Sundays game.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2012/11/22/no-qb-decision-yet-according-to-offensive-coordinator/

adrian522 · 23-11-2012 12:12pm

I feel it's appropriate to post this link today....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvLz_7VkXD0

This too...

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/48707/hey-at-least-harbaugh-threw-no-punches

Learn the rules indeed!

adrian522 · 24-11-2012 7:34pm

What does everyone think of the QB situation?

Is the whole thing a tactic to let the saints prepare for the wrong QB only for Alex to start?

It's also possible that Kaepernick will start this week as Alex has not been a full participant in practice for 2 weeks now.

whatever the truth I'm entirely confused by the whole situation, but I don't believe a permanent hange at QB has been made and I believe Alex Smith will be the starting QB again this season.

padraig_f · 24-11-2012 9:49pm

adrian522 wrote: »

What does everyone think of the QB situation?

Is the whole thing a tactic to let the saints prepare for the wrong QB only for Alex to start?

It's also possible that Kaepernick will start this week as Alex has not been a full participant in practice for 2 weeks now.

whatever the truth I'm entirely confused by the whole situation, but I don't believe a permanent hange at QB has been made and I believe Alex Smith will be the starting QB again this season.

I guess we won't know until tomorrow. My take is when Harbaugh talked about how he likes the guy with the hot hand, he knew then he was going with Kaepernick. Because if you were still undecided, or knew you were sticking with Smith, why create unnecessary speculation?

I don't think it's a ploy to deceive the Saints. That's a small advantage for one game, and is just a side-benefit. It wouldn't be worth upsetting your QB and fuelling the media speculation just for that.

I don't believe it's necessarily permanent. I think Kaepernick will partly be on audition for the next 2-3 weeks, and there would be an option there to go back to Smith. But I think 60% or more of Harbaugh wants to go with Kaepernick, and he has to find out now. If he left it 2 or 3 more weeks it'd be too late to throw him in.

adrian522 · 26-11-2012 11:46am

Well that was interesting wasn't it? Certainly a bit of bad blood between these teams, but I thought it was a realy enjoyable game.

Officials were poor, missed a few easy calls, some went our way some against us.

Looks like we may lose Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter for the rest of the year.

Kaepernick was good without lighting it up like he did against Chicago. I feel if Alex Smith doens't get the start against St. Louis he is essentially done in SF.

We struggled a bit running the ball but the biggest concern at the moment is David Ackers, missed 1 FG and had another blocked, this needs sorting out soon or it will come back to bite us in the ass.

Also worrying is Ginn muffing a punt that essentially cost us 7 points, again not a big deal for right now but mistakes like this can cost you big time in January.

Other than that good win coupled with a seahawks loss, SF looking good to take the division and possible that number 2 seed also. Big games remaining are against Seattle and also New England.

lava_man · 26-11-2012 6:13pm

Both teams went at it, a couple of delays with injuries. Great performance from the defense, again. Kaep did well, his intercept came from a poor snap. I liked some of the 3rd down conversions - a rarity with Alex Smith. Re Akers, I agree but he is coming from such a high standard set last season.

Difficult to assess what effect the QB situation will have on the locker room, so long as they're winning things will stay calm. I imagine Smith has a loyal following seeing as he's been there 8 or so years, but getting dropped is part of the game.

Williams has been solid on special teams, hard to forgive for last year! Hopefully Ted Ginn slots back in.

The secondary looks the weak link, they gave up a few yellow flags.

All-in-all though we're looking strong.

adrian522 · 27-11-2012 6:13pm

Nice of Jim Harbaugh to clear up the QB situation. When asked about what goes into his decision he had this to say.

Jim Harbaugh wrote:

Alex Smith is our starting quarterback. He has not done anything to lose that job. In fact, he's playing at a very high level. Also, Colin Kaepernick, you can't categorize him as a backup quarterback because he's started games, and played very well in those games.

So 2 starters, no Backup.

lava_man · 27-11-2012 6:17pm

+1. no idea. mind games? or the beginning of the quarter back committee??

adrian522 · 27-11-2012 6:23pm

Another Classic from that interview:

Reporter: "Speaking about those guys, how ready are they? How ready is LaMichael James to return kicks on a reasonably full-time basis if he had to? How ready is A.J. Jenkins to really take a load as far you can tell?"

Jim Harbaugh "I know what you just asked, but I was so mesmerized and dazzled by your voice right there. You have got a great voice. I lost my train of thought."

Full transcript:
http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/11/26/3695328/jim-harbaugh-press-conference-transcript-49ers-vs-saints

lava_man · 27-11-2012 6:39pm

Going by the transcript it sounds like Kaepernick will be starting. A lot of emphasis on the team thing to give himself a bit of wiggle room if things go wrong.

adrian522 · 27-11-2012 10:17pm

good news here, Navarro Bowman has signed on with the 49ers on a 5 year deal...This makes me happy.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000101785/article/navorro-bowman-signs-extension-with-san-francisco-49ers

lava_man · 03-12-2012 10:13am

"but the biggest concern at the moment is David Ackers, missed 1 FG and had another blocked, this needs sorting out soon or it will come back to bite us in the ass"

So true.

adrian522 · 03-12-2012 11:25am

Well yes, it wasn't a terrible kick, but that's twice now in overtime he has missed game winning kicks.

Also Ted Ginn should really have put his body on the line to recover that mess of a read option play.

Essentially it was a game that should have been won.

We still have to play Seattle and New England, if we dont win at least one of those Seattle still have a shot at the division.

Also Green Basy are now looking good to overtake us in the race for the 2nd seed in the NFL now too.

lava_man · 03-12-2012 5:21pm

Yeah, it would be unfair to attribute the loss on Ackers. Agreed, don't know what Ted Ginn was doing strolling along with the football on his own 2 yard line - awful toss to him btw. Should've smothered it asap.

The Rams worked hard for the win and they have our number. All Kaepernick needs is the experience. The talent is there.

It'll be interesting to see how Seattle do without the 2 corners.

Still confident of winning the division.

adrian522 · 03-12-2012 5:24pm

Yeah, should still win the divison,

So far this season we seem to put 2 good performances and then 1 terrible 1.

Dont understand how you go from beating the bears and the packers to losing to the Rams.

Should at least get back on track against Miami this week, beofre 2 very tough games following that.

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