For the 49ers having already clinched the division, this Monday night showdown has a ton of playoff implications. If the 49ers win, they stay ahead of NO as the #2 seed in the NFC, while a Pittsburgh win would give them a 1 game lead on Baltimore with 2 games to go. Neither are a certainty if they occur, but either team winning would be a boost for that elusive 1st round bye. The 49ers, by losing would still get 1st round home game, byut would lose the bye week. They would drop from the #2 to the #3 seed. Pittsburgh has even more to lose. If they lose tonight, they’d fall from the #2 seed (bye week + a home game) to the #5 seed (no bye + 2 roadies).
With that in mind, Pittsburgh is now saying Ben Worthlessberger will start tonight’s game at the Stick. Little Ben showed ‘enough mobility’ in Saturday’s practice to start tonight. Which means to me, the 49ers need to show some fairly different looks early in this game. They NEED to get pressure up the middle. Skelton had no problems stepping up last week as the pressure came in from the sides. Stepping up is about the only thing that Worthless can do with his bum ankle. If Soap can’t get in on the backup center (Pouncy is out), then Pittsburgh will more than likely throw quick passes and run delays up the middle to slow down our rush, and keep Worthless out of trouble. Sending Grant in on some blitzes up the middle early, and hitting little Ben, would set the tone for the game. Letting him dink and dunk to set up the big play will not work.
How this shakes out offensively is a question as well. These last 2 games (Balt and AZ) were against teams that run very similar defenses. Pittsburgh is the same deal. Zone blitzing, overloading areas, and disguising blitzes. The good news is we’ve seen it a lot. The bad news is we haven’t adjusted very well. Hopefully by now the Niners can pick up the schemes without getting Smith killed. 18 sacks in 3 games is a trend that HAS to stop. The 49ers need to open with slants and quick passes (for more than 4 yards) that give the team favorable 3rd down situations, and keep the chains moving. The red zone just needs to be re-thought completely. I hope the extra day helps them.
Last week’s game should have been a win. They can’t leave points on the field. And, looking at how the Bolts flattened the Balts, you CAN beat an aggressive defense by being aggressive yourself. The WRs HAVE to make plays tonight. Dropping shit cannot happen. I’d put Williams as the X receiver, and try to get single coverage. Hit him deep on go routes. It doesn’t have to be a slow-developing play. Just float it out there for him when the coverage dictates. I’d try it 3 or 4 times. Ginn proves over and over that he can get open, but he just has trouble catching the goddamn ball.
Forty Niners Forever 
Wish I saw the fucking penalty they called on what would have been 3rd and 32. The fucking chop call on Gore was bullshit too.
Chuck, Berger explained to me in great detail the other night about this chop block bullshit. Bullshit or not, it’s the right call.
If you want some real bullshit? P/U a spade a join me and the ponies in the barn as we continue to shovel the shit leftover from the Niner RZ efforts. It stinks to high hell in here…
Drive the ball down the field and score a goddamn TOUCHDOWN.
How’s about a nice retrun from Ginn?
Fuck. Something,. Williams has looked good. So had Crabs . . .
How could the steelers be upset about that call? That was an ez one to make…
Why the Steelers, and teams in general continue to run on 1st dn vs our D is a mystery to me. I’d throw on every dn vs our defense. Then again, I’d throw on every dn vs any defense.
THROW THE DAMN BALL!
Outstanding and correct call by the zebras. Williams WAS interfered with on the opportunity to catch the punt…
I still don’t get why they aren’t blitzing. Berger has all friggin day to throw…
Brett Swain, yes that Brett Swain is now getting playing time as our 3rd WR.
Brett Swain continues to run patterns, as Braylon Edwards continues to run away…
incomplete. Hand before foot.
This is ridiculous.
Wasted opportunities to score TDs early, then stalled offense while D gets tired and opposition starts to rally. Niners following their recent script to a Tee
Fuck, I can’t take this shit. Can we get a 1st down in the 2nd half? Ever?
Gimme a fucking break. Shoot me now. I need another beer.
Actually NO we only get FGs in 1 st half. Second half is devoted to wearing out the D and no first downs
Regardless if he just made 51 yd FG or not. That was an asinine decision by Mike Tomlin.
You GO for it in position.
I’ll say it again like I did last yr with out SF Giants…we, and the Steelers don’t deserve to win this game…
Great catch by VD but NO there is another fucking hold. Perfect, perfectly sad shit
Fucking screen goes for 20+!!. Finally…
Hey a GD screen to KH, what the fuck??
Great pass by Alex to VD…punch it in!
Naw we don’t do TDs. FG coming up
His foot was out, but what a great comeback by Alex. Touch passes of perfection on this drive. Denny’s hilarious call of 31 PTs for the steelers continues to make everyone laugh
TD VERNON
If we win this game as secure the #2 seed. Let me be the first to say…
Drew Brees and his Saints are gonna light us up light a 40 ft. Christmas tree…