On the face of things, this is a game pitting two resurgent teams who have surprised a number of people and taken the early lead in their respective divisions. Tampa’s is a little more shocking due to the competition (Atlanta and N’Orlins) they face. Still, the NFC west was supposed to be Seattle, AZ, and StL fighting amongst themselves while the Niners staggered around blindly looking for clues behind their star-crossed QB. Well, 4 weeks in, and the Niners have a two game lead over their foes, and surprised the hell out of the Eagles last week. Frank Gore says the Eagles quit in the 2nd half:
So, here we are, two surprising teams squaring off. The current talk among the fans on both sides is low-scoring grind-it-out football. Let me be the one to say fuck that. If the Niners learned anything last Sunday, it is that they CAN push the ball down the field. They need to come out and be aggressive on offense. Try to get on top of these guys. Tampa Bay couldn’t do shit against Indy’s decimated defense. Yes, they have Dwight Freeney, but little else. TB spent 3 quarters getting holding calls and other penalties and did very little offensively. The fact that they won speaks to how sad Indy is without Peyton Manning.
I call this a trap game because these are the kinds of games that Mike Singletary would completely blow chunks on. He would build up his team as being better than the foe, preach his smashmouth style, and say we will lay our venegance upon them (sorry, just watched Pulp Fiction) and triumph. Invariably, the foe would come out aggressive, as TB did last year, and get on top of the Niners and coast the rest of the way home. Sing would mumble about looking at the tape to see how he was so easily taken down by the other team.
I also call this a trap game because of the obvious raising of expectations. Not too many prognosticators (shut up, Twin) picked 3-1 at this stage of the season (I figured 2-2 was doable). Harbaugh is in total denial mode that his team is this good. Frankly I like him doing that. The other coaches were the opposite. They would be praised for close losses, and befuddled by the myriad blowouts. Harbaugh doesn’t want them believeing the hype.
But the main reason I call this a trap game is the fact that I wonder if Harbaugh comes out and plays this close to the vest. I think htis would be a huge mistake. The 2nd half last week showed that they can push the ball down the field. They can run slants and deep patterns. If TB comes out showing 8 in the box, and tries to stop the run/short passing game early, I hope against hope that the Niners go for broke. Hit some big plays. Try to get on top of these guys for a change. Try to get a 14 point lead before these guys can catch their breath. Harbaugh’s a smart guy, and I know he’s waiting to unleash some things, but he’s also missing the key guy, Braylon Edwards. Still and all, I’d be drawing some big plays up for Kyle Williams early. In other words, i think the Niners can win pretty easily if they come out aggressive, and not play into TB’s style of game.
Forty Niners Forever 
Not that I really give a rat’s ass, but who runs the Raiders now?
They go on the market? I think Rob is looking to buy an NFL team.
Heard the spawn of Al control/own the team. Maybe they will wanna sell. If Rob buys ’em will they suck as bad as his Rhinos? Fine with me, I hate the Rayduhs.
But Del didn’t Rob kick you ass in FF last year? Rumors, rumors…
Amy Trask?
Doesn’t Al have any spawn?
NFL Political Donations Show the League Leans Right
http://www.cnbc.com/id/44820878
Al must have been a Pub; just a guess based on the way he played Rozelle and the NFL (as a maverick). Seems the owners tilted these results based on volume of their donations. Niners and Raiders not mentioned in this news report. But suppose the 49ers donated mainly to Left wing candidates: despite Alex’s tendency to roll right does this mean the 9ers will tend to want to run plays to the left of the LOS? Sweeps, reverses, passing plays? Is Alex really a Republican?
Just some thoughts and dumb ones I admit. But hey I’m bored just killing time before tomorrows game. We already had our gigantic pep rally and bonfire out here which was a great success and am very much looking forward to F****** the Bucs. So’s the wife who is steadily becoming a Harbaugh fan.
No surprise to see the Texans’ owner, Bob McNair, atop that GOP donation list. Bob was really big in the thoroughbred industry a few years back. He had a couple of horses run in the Derby (both ran up the track) when he owned Stonerside Stables. He’s since sold it to one of the Sheik’s to concentrate mostly on his football team. I think he still might have a few stallions and broodmares. I know he’s got a real good football team now.
I don’t see Harbaugh’s Team ever getting trapped Chuck. He’s too focused on improving. What could be a concern is Ice missing the game and allowing the middle to be exploited.
We’re an ongoing work in progress and from everything I hear and read, these guys are jacked to play for him.
Our goal for the game is to execute and take nothing for granted. I like our chances.
TB has a good Team but, it’s highly unlikely they’re going to know the play calls this time around.
Chuck is a 48 pt. underdog today in our fantasy league. That’s a bigger spread than when Oklahoma plays one of those shitty Div II schools. I think I’ll tease that sucker up to 54 1/2 and take my chances on the parlay card.
Two early scores for my RB1, Adrian Peterson. All Day baby…
And now a TD for Big Ben…the hits just keep on coming.
Seabass w/ a 54 yd FG. Guess who?
Guess what? A third TD for Adrian Peterson. He might be in for a Gayle Sayers afternoon…
Where the hell is everyone? I know you no good heathens aren’t at church…
watchit sucka !
Curtis Painter to Pierre Garcon is on a roll today. Who wanted to draft Painter? That’s right. Instead, we took that fucking glove-wearing dummy who can’t even color within the lines.
Kevin Kolb is a fumbling machine. He’s lost at least one in each game this year. Of course he’s my goddamn backup. That’s OK, he’ll be back on my bench when Tony Romo returns from his bye next week. How bout dem Cowboys!
CHUCK
trap game ? how can any game be a trap game for us !
you’re right about harbaugh imo , i think he’s going even more slowly implementing his best stuff than he wants to because of the lost offseason time !
good move !
thx for the link on frank !
Three INTs for the Puppy Killer today, and we haven’t even reached the half.
I bet Hallmark makes a card for just such an occasion…
Big Ben now w/ 3 TDs and counting on the afternoon. Bout goddamn time.
I guess he needs to play with a bum ankle all the time…
Make that FOUR TDs today for Big Ben.
They ought to sprain his other ankle just for good measure…
Well IMO, the 3rd and 4th quarter are a blue print for success. If Smith does not have a 300 yard game passing I will be surprised. the Sac Bee is still spewing the party line, Gore running.
You’ll be surprised if Smith does NOT have a 300 yd passing game?
Shit, I’ll be shocked if he does. We’re avg. 178 yds through the air/gm.
He’ll be lucky to get 200 yds. This is gonna be a game of field position and FGs.
3rd and 4th quarter of the Eagles game. clarification there
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