The Niners go from 2 games in 5 days to one game in 24 days. Due to the vagaries of the NFL schedulers, the Niners have an 11 game break between the Seattle and AZ games, and a 13 day break before the Rams come to visit on 11/11/12. As of now, the Niners have a one game lead over AZ and Sea, and 2 games over StL. A win over AZ on Monday night would set this team up for an easier way to the division title, put some distance between us and AZ, and give the Niners a 2-0 division record as they reach the halfway point and their bye week.
So, what do the Niners need to work on during this down time? The Niners worked on their deep passing game, and it was very effective vs Buffalo, somewhat effective vs the Jets, and non-existent vs the Giants and Seattle. They looked great vs Green Bay and Deetroit, and flat and lost vs the Vikes and Giants. The run game is tops in the NFL at a 175 yard clip.Gore is still busting tackles and getting through the holes to the 2nd level effectively. The passing game has been a bit hit-or-miss. After the first 5 weeks, Smith had 8 TDs and 1 pick. Since then, however, Smith has 1 TD and 4 picks. Mainly from the Giants game and the 3 ints in that one. The defense has been all over the place as well. They couldn’t stop the underneath passing game of the Giants and Minn. Statistically they haven’t given up as many big plays as last year, but sacks and turnovers are down. The run D isn’t as stout as usual either.
This is as good a time for a break as any. Gore needs some rest for his sore ribs, and providing he plays and survives the AZ game, will get more rest. Manningham as well with his sore shoulder. Brandon Jacobs, after skwalking to the media about being healthy and not playing, will maybe actually get on the field and play some. His tenure so far resembles Brian Westbrook and his minuscule paying time here.
The coaching staff needs to do a couple things. Offensively, they need to shitcan the Cappy plays. They’ve done nothing but stall drives after being effective the first couple weeks. Keep the focus on the run, but keep the routes deeper to keep the checkdowns clear for decent yards. Smith needs to trust his instincts. He looked very tentative yet again vs the Giants and the Hawks. he seems to never trust his WRs to get open on passes that are fairly well defended. I’m not advocating throwing onto double coverage, but he rarely pulls the trigger and lets his WRs make plays. As long as teams don;t put 8 in the box, the run game should remain solid. Defensively the Niners need to get more pressure. Aldon Smith isn’t getting through as clean as he was last year. Soap appears dinged up, and needs a break. J Smith is still playing well, but the LBs aren’t getting to the QB as much, and the run D isn’t doing the job. Dial up some better-disguised blitzes, and get the D linemen healthy for the 2nd half push.
San Francisco 49ers Forever 
Could be much worse, folks. We could be Raider fans.
Almost beat Atl on the road, and choke & puke vs Jax at home . . . 20-6 midway thru the 3rd . . .
Sickeningly the Raiders won
Heh heh. Hey a blind squirrel finds a but now and then.
Uh, nut . . .
Whoa. Watch out for that fucking squirrel, Gentlemen… Don’t let it get behind you…
Fucking squirrel
Tree rats
Disgusting…
HEY HOW BOUT THEM GIANTS!
That feels good!!!!!!!!
Criminy. Alex Smith seems to be reverting back to timid land.
We will see how AZ goes, and I sure hope we keep up the deeper routes to clear out the underneath, but I fear that teams may start loading up the box again in an attempt to stall our running game and our checkdowns.
I think Manningham’s absence really hurt the offense last game, as Crabs was up to his old non-ability to get off the line clean self. He seems to get frustrated by physical corners.
Big Mexican drug lord captured and his name was “Commander Squirrel”.
Right, Tommy. Way too much time between games.
unca chuck where did everyone go? Did they all get arrested? This place is a graveyard today.
They’re probably watching some silly sports on TV like MNF or Game 7 on the NLCS. Me? I’m watching The Real Housewives of NYC on BRAVO. I have my priorities straight.
+1
The baseball Giants are being handled a gift from St Louis. Earlier today it was said that Beltran
and Holiday were not in the lineup? It’s the 7th game guys and there is no tomorrow if you lose.
Giants win da PENNANT!!!
What an awesome comeback. Down 3-1, they outscore STL in the next 3 games…20-1. Talk about a smackdown comeback. And now I’m sure Detroit is so heavily favored they’ll probably be pegged to win it in 3…
Yep Tigers in 3… good call again!
Unfuckingbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!! \\
World Series, baby!
All the Niners need to do is hold up their end and win the Super Bowl.
It ALMOST happened in 1989.
Yep true dat
Gift, Tommy? Really? Down 3-1 and they are getting gifts.
BTW, Beltran and Holliday played. And lost.
They played, but only Molina really showed up last night.
What blew me away was the Cards repeatedly getting the leadoff man on base – and then doing nothing. They left 25 runners on base in the last three games, and FOURTEEN runners in scoring position, 9 of them last night.
Well, 2 days ago, their leadoff guys were 0-9. Then again, Vogie was lights-out.
And it looks like Zito gets game 1.
My mind is officially blown . . .
If Zito beats Verlander, EVERYONE’s mind will be blown. Dennis will retreat to his bunker to wait for the Mayans, because it’s obviously the fucking End Times.
“My mind is officially blown . . .”
Hold it I’m gettin’ my Kodak.
Jayzus that’s a pretty picture.
Throw in a Super Bowl win for Alex Smith, and Dennis will officially be shown the dioor to the funny farm.
Or this version is even better
I first heard that song back on the Dr. Demento radio show in the late ’70’s. Is the good Dr. still around?
The good Dr is still around. I think his show is online now. I listened to that every Sunday on KFOG
Now comes word that Whitey and Huff might both be on the WS roster. Denny,, if you read this, I can courier some valium to you before midnight..
Fuckin’ great…
New thread is up.