Here we are, poised on the biggest game around these parts in 9+ years, and the comparisons to the 1981 team are a bit eerie. Beyond the fact the Niners are playing in the same dump of a stadium while some other teams have gone through 2 stadiums (hello Detroit) in that time frame is only the beginning. Starting with the owner, you have in Jed York a similar figure to you Eddie DeBartolo. Both are young upstarts who didn’t bring a hell of a lot of experience other than being the son of a very wealthy dad. Eddie got the Niners because his father was not allowed to own a hockey team and a football team at the same time. Jed got the Niners from his dad because Dr. John was an inept buffoon who charged the team for every bottle of water they drank, dismantled one of the greatest dynasties in sports, and let the stadium bond that Eddie fought so hard to get die on the vine.
The 1980 Niners posted a 6-10 record amidst guarded hope that the team was at least heading in the right direction under Bill Walsh. The 2010 Niners posted a 6-10 record amidst the crumbling regime of one Aluminum Mike Singletary. Walsh came in as an offensive wizard who made his bobnes under legendary Paul Brown. Harbaugh came in as an overachieving quarterback who willed his teams to improbable victories, and as a coach is being heralded as an offensive visionary who has done well in developing quarterbacks like Josh Johnson, Andrew Luck, and now Alex Smith. The 1981 season, very much like the 2011 season, started with a lot of questions, and a bit of hope. The 1981 draft provided the 49ers with a brand-new defensive backfield (minus Dwight Hicks). The 2011 draft provided the 49ers with a bunch of depth at important positions (RB, CB, O line), a starting FB, and a pre-eminent pass rusher. A huge key to the success of both teams.
Both teams started their seasons tentatively. The 1981 Niners lost to Detroit and Atlanta to post a 1-2 record out of the gate. At that point in the season, it was like, well, they could go 8-8. Wait til next year. This year’s Niners won a fairly pedestrian game against Seattle, and lost a close one at home to Dallas. At the time, I thought, well, we’ll be 8-8, but it might win the division. Let’s just keep seeing incrememtal improvement, and wait til next year.
The 1981 Niners then reeled off 7 straight wins. Along the way, beating powerhouses like Washington, Dallas, and Pittsburgh. The 2011 Niners did them one better and won 8 straight, beating playoff teams like Cincy, Detroit, and the NYFGs. Both teams finished strong to end the year at 13-3 and vastly exceeded the expectations of a hungry fan base. This team is playing with a highly rated defense and an underrated offense. The 1981 Niners were a highly rated offense with an underrated defense.
In 1981, the 49ers were the surprise #1 seed. This year, the surprise #2 seed. Forget Tim Tebow, tomorrow will be the next step to see if this truly is a magical season (and yes, even with a loss tomorrow, the season was an unmitigated success) for the 49ers that leads them and their fans to Super Bowl XLVI.
Forty Niners Forever 
Hell Yeah¡!! What a Hit by Whitner!!!!!!
First turn over excellent, I wonder if they would have gone for it on 4th down??
large, NASTY men have shown up to represent San Francisco today…….
That sucks
I don’t fault Alex for getting sacked there but there were nine fucking guys on the line. He has to recognize that and get rid of the ball or audible that play………..
and Dennis, you’ve got no idea how happy I am that all four of your picks contradict directly with my four picks. Thank you!
LOL that’s good
Lucky not to lose that Smith fumble. I guess God had just got off the phone with Tebow, and had the time to shine some light our way…
ALDON!!!
I got just ONE word De-goddamnfuckin-fense
This just in: Aldon Smith ain’t too shabby.
Detroit was not able to do that!! I hope The D gets into Brees head
Take that Dennis
Fuck yes.
Aldon Smith is just relentless going after Brees,his wingspan and speed is just awesome to watch
Sweet Vernon!
GREAT pass by Alex to VD. The Saint’s missed tackle didn’t hurt either…
VD!!!!!!! Takin it to the house….
I must admit, Alex looks extremely sharp early. Hope it continues…
Only stat we don’t have double the saints is TOP Tied in 1st downs 4. Lead in rushing, passing
I am a pretty loud, big dude. I coach my daughter’s basketball team, and at the game this morning the refs asked me to lower my voice because it was distracting the team playing next us. Katie actually laughed out loud on the court when they made this request. She’s used to having a big loud dad. She’s at the other end of the house right now and she just came out to tell me to keep it down. Apparently, I’ve taken it up a notch for this game…….
Naturally!
How bout Crab??
C.J. Spillman has been great all year on STs. Even a few games where he had to play safety, he excelled there as well.
ha, this is so fucking awesome…….
There’s my first pick due to saints discovering they cannot RUN
I am telling you the media gave the Niner D no respect!!
Fuck Yeah……Eat shit Brees .Goldson baby!!!!
Helluva read by Dashon. Need to punch it in here…
Two TD passes Dennis!!
Alex has looked fantastic. Jesus Christ must secretly love him more than Tebow. 😀
Outstanding audible. Fuck you national media.
First quarter is almost over. Saints projected point total for game: 0
On pace for Niners winning game 56-0.
Loving this……
1st still and we have our first 14 point lead so in yer face
Low scoring? Yeah for the saints
Huge 7 points there over the 3.