<b>UPDATE: Brandon Jacobs and Joe Staley are active, Marion Manningham is out with a shoulder injury.</b>
Well, it is officially crunch time in Ninerland. We are at a crossroads of sorts as the team tries to regain the form that led to such an impressive start. The Niers were clicking along, with one minor blip, when they ran into the New York Giants. They were buzzsawed into oblivion and were bad in every phase of the game. Problem is, as this is a ‘what have you done lately’ kind of deal, the Niners are on shakey ground. Gone is the euphoria of beating Green Bay and Deetroit. Here now is the unshakeable feeling that Alex Smith may be reverting to old bad habits. the defense was pourous in these 2 losses, and the pass rush, which was so good last year, has mysteriously vanished like so many 3rd down stops.
Enter the Seahawks. A mystery unto themselves. They’ve beaten good teams and lost to iffy ones. However, they come to town to renew rivalry between head coaches Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll, and between Seattle GM Scotty (Happy Hour) McLoughan and his former team. These games always make for interesting fodder as Scotty has been picking up our scraps ever since he got there. Michael Robinson is still on the ‘Hawks, while erstwhile jersey-winner-for-me Kentwan Balmer has moved on to other endeavors (would you like to super size that?).
I have no idea how this plays out. But I do know that this is a game the 49er should win. If they lose, the entire program will fall under the kind of scrutiny that drove the 2 previous coaches mad. Losing at home to the Hawks would be, while not a fatal blow, it will definitely put a crimp in the search for back-to-back division titles. If Alex Smith falters in a big, or even not-so-big, way, the murmurs will start getting louder for Cappy to get more reps. I think they tone down the Cappy switch-outs, but I do hope they still use him down by the goal line.
Plus, we have the SF Giants quest to tie up the NLCS at 2 or run the risk of being shut down in 5 games. All they need is one win to take the series back to the Bay. GO GIANTS ! ! ! ! Depending on the outcome of these 2 games, I may not survive the night. Be still my heart.
Forty Niners Forever 
On the decline of the safety — I see nada “fishy”. You take over on downs, you take a knee twice, you win. Simple. Why go through fielding an “onside punt” and ensuing scrum when somebody could get hurt, or if Seattle recovers, you have to defend several more contested plays? Makes perfect sense to me to take the ball and sit on it twice — bada bing, game over.. If there’s no safety, Seattle almost certainly loses by 7 anyway, so the result is the same. Tough for those who bet on the Niners to beat the spread, but hey, if you can’t handle the loss, then don’t bet, Hoss…
With the safety, Seattle has to punt the ball away, down two scores with no timeourts and 43 seconds..Sorry, wrongo decision. Fumbling one of rwo snaps has a far greater chance of happening, with Seattle only needing one score if recovered.
Show me some stats on what has the greater chance of happening. Otherwise, my view is just as accurate as yours. Harbaugh’s not dumb, I think we can agree. If we agree with your point, either you’re saying he IS dumb, or you’re saying he’s making moves for spread purposes, which is pretty serious stuff…
I’m not denying you right to your opinion. Why is it that comes up? Really, I have absolutely no powers to do that here or on any other blog. And I don’t think Harbaugh is dumb, just wrong on this. You have pretty extensive experience questioning a smart leader’s moves ( I’ll guess 50 times a year, and I think I’m being conserative) and that guy won a championship. As far as stats on this, I’d wager that a team winining under the first scenario has NEVER happened. And since I know you’re not dumb either, I think you would also wager that it’s never happened.
I dunno, Jack. Say something relevant to football, or this game, or something?
‘The “two game” point you made is a joke unless you apply it to every NFL QB who’s been around more a couple years- they’d ALL be gone by your standard. Now-good idea-,get your ass to bed and in future, don’t speak to me unless I invite you to.’ – JackCrabby
I can’t always get on the blogs or the UFO Coyotes, because I try to help families in need.
So stick a big one up your $aa, Jack. You might grow up and become as lucky as I.
I’d love to hear what you allege to do to help families in need, But anyway, I did post about the game and didn’t refer to you, address you,or in any way, or say anything that would cause you to have your little fit. Just as last week, when saying Smith was awful several times wasn’t good enough for you, this week giving hm an “OK” set off your obsessive hatred.
Lucky you? I hope you’ve been lucky, as I do everyone.But don’t presume to know how my life is or what I’ve done for my country and my community. i can assure you it isn’t luck- I’ worked for what I’ve achieved. And paid a price for my service,
Are you actually reading your posts, Twinnie? If you want to keep up with the personal attacks, I can’t stop you. Just put down the damn bottle!
It stinks. Come up with a creative thought.
Prabably thr most accurate and unbiased account of what went down, without needless verbiage, was my first of the day:
“Hmm. Maybe I’m banned for making sense, made just one comment and it never showed up..I’ll try again..tough physical game played better on every level by the Niners. Alex was OK- one bad decison, one decisive winning drive. Highest QB rating all year aagainst Searrle was 81.5 by Rodgers. They mug the wide outs and get away with it Frank was great of course.All in all, a short rest win against a very physical team leaves the rational observer with little to complain about. For those who like football it was a good game”
Now let’s hear about this help you provide families in need. Don’t need a lot of details, just a general overview. I have extensive knowledge about such things, so be careful when fabricating your story.
Now you pass out, er, sleep well, I mean. I’m not a drinker, BTW, Clover 2% is as hard as my beverages get. So to be accurate, you should suggest I put down the carton.
Pfffffffft,Jack. PFFFFFFFFT. Come up with something else. The football stuff was good; it’s a beginning for you.
I finally waded through your diabribe. You accused me of being a liar, and you want proof positive that I help people.
Join, you’ll find out.
Get a room, boys . . .
New thread is up . . .