Lots of differeing opinions about this Deetroit game. From we’ll get slaughtered, to a tough loss, to a victory. 5-0 Deetroit vs the 4-1 Niners. There are a lot of people out there that don’t believe in either team as being more than flashes in the pan. The winner will be the toast of the NFL. For a week, anyway. I happen to think the 49ers can get on these guys early as the Lions struggle to get going, as they usually do. The onus will be for the 49ers to keep the chains moving once a lead is established. If it is. Harbaugh showed what he could do last week by going aggressive early. The thing was, it was done with a lot of 2 TE/2 WR formations (and even a bunch of 3 TE formations), not the 4 WR sets I had been calling for (and expecting).
The nice thing about all this? Well, I dug the fact that the 2nd TD to VD came on one of the 3 TE sets. One the Niners had run out of the previous 4 times. Down and distance, or formation doesn’t dictate the play being called anymore. Harbaugh had TB completely off-balance the whole day. And TB’s defense isn’t taken lightly. My thought (OK, hope) is they can continue this style of play. I’d actually like to see more multi-WR sets. Get Swain in there. And run up the middle. Throw screens and delays. I think the Niners can use their aggressiveness against them. Should be a good game either way.
Forty Niners Forever 
No matter the outcome, we will see how prepared and what we are made of tomorrow. I think our D is our main identity at the moment but I sure would like to see another offensive explosion like we saw last week.
I’ll second that hope for an aggressive offense. Don’t see Alex standing in the pocket and taking numerous sacks while our run game fails. Believe players and coaches are going to be well prepared to grind and confuse the Lions. Another dismantling like last week? No but I do expect our guys to be focused and energized for 60 minutes. Guys are playing their hearts out for Coach- and for each other.
I think if this game was in SF I might see the Niners winning the game. But it’s not and I don’t. Too much gets determined at the line and while I have noticed the obvious improvement in our OL I just don’t think they are ready or good enough to face off with Detroit’s DL. I think it’s gonna be loud as fuck in that stadium and that’s won’t help us either. That’s how I think this game will get away from us—all the noise from those re-born fans who have been sitting glumly with bags on their heads for so many years? They are erasing those days who every Calvin Johnson TD….
I’d like to be confident on the defensive side but Johnson is a beast who no one can cover.
I see this as our *ugly* game. Detroit 37 SF 16. Something like that.
The excellent news for Niner fans is that I think Dennis and I are the only ones who see this as a blowout and we all know how Dennis’ betting slips look at the end of a game or a race–torn up and thrown over his shoulder. I learned a long time ago to bet the opposite of whatever the biggest betting loser you know does. Since they lose WAY more than 50% of the time, it’s a solid way to make money if you can stomach going with that angle every single time. Plus, they can’t know you’re doing it or that would affect their decisions. Howver, I’m not betting on the game just throwing out my two cents on how I see it unfolding….
I’m really looking forward to this game and I’m really looking forward to writing a huge mea culpa on my prediction for it….
I don’t think it gets completely out of hand, but we are due for a bit of a sag after playing sky-high for 6 quarters. I think we make a game of it, but come up just short. Maybe 20-17 Lions. Nothing to slit wrists over. We might see them again in three months or so.
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I see a loss but not a blowout. On the road, third time at 10am, in front of a raucous and loud crowd, it will be a tough go. As others have said, a loss is not the end of the world. What is most important to me is not to see any significant steps backward, especially with the OL. We’ll have occasional false starts there, etc., but I really would like to see the play calling working well with the new line (new since the benching of Rachal) leading to some successful runs, and decent pass protection even if it doesn’t add up to a W.
On the defensive side the secondary has played better, but will obviously be challenged today. I would like to see continued improvement and solid play in rushing the passer. If Aldon gets extended playing time against the 3 WR sets, let’s hope for more pressure, hits, sacks.
In short, I’d just like to see both sides keep us in the game with a chance to win against a tough team on the road. If we get it, I’m ecstatic, if we don’t, and still play well, then I’m still feeling pretty damn good about my team.
I’ve already picked Niners 20-17. As an all around team, we’re better. It could certainly go either way, but the team due for a reality check is Detroit. We’re a 10-6 or 11-5 team at 4-1. They’re a 9-7 team at 5-0. CJ is great, but throwing the ball up in the air and hoping the tall guy comes down with it is not an offense..
(yes, this is over simplified but my full analsyis is for Insiders only)
Completely agree with barley. I see Det winning, but with Harbaugh, not counting them out.
The division is a lock, so continue to improve and develop the young guys..and who knows?
The progression of Aldon Smith is key, imo.
Jay Glazer just reported that the Niners are one of the teams (Pats, Rams) in talks for B. Lloyd.
That would be a HUGE mistake bringing him back.
Welcome back the real Alex Smith.
What an idiot you are. Who’s fault was that fumble? Smith? Or fucking staley?
You’re too easy to get riled up. Of course it was Staley’s fault.
It’s just a lot more fun to blame Smith.
Yeaah He forgot to block the DE
Great play by Willis on 2nd dn and pressure by J. Smith on 3rd to hold ’em to a FG.
Romo woulda had that block ya think Del?
we can win this !
bring back brandon !
Think JH can get him to produce?
Shitty call by ref: False start? E Davis said ok for VD to motion, uh what?
They better knock off these penalties or it’s gonna be 3rd and Pontiac all day.
“3rd and Pontiac all day”
Harhar you got it Del
Runs and screen passes is not going to get it done!!! That series of plays goes back to the first 2 quarters of the Eagles game
Stafford misses a lot of throws
He sure does. He missed quite a few last Mon. night vs the Bears.
He just seems to hit the big ones when it really counts.
MIssed that game
He’ll complete a few to our DBs
If the Niners go down by 21 points like the eagles game they will lose, Detroit is better than than theEagles
I’ve never liked the sweep to the short side of the field. Hunter had none chance.
Crabtree sure does have great hands. Saved Alex that time.
Yup
Harbaugh tripping on A Davis