Well, in a late breaking development, Alex Smith didn’t pass the final contact drills for his concussion, so he is out for tonight’s game against the Bears. So, we have Cappy vs Campbell. Jason and the Sluggonauts vs the raw Reno talent. Jay Cutler may or may not be the gift that keeps on giving, but he’s not a mobile as Campbell. Which may actually help the Bears and their sieve-like front line. Campbell IS a backup, though. He failed pretty miserably as a starter in both Washington and Oaktown (not that he had a shit-load of help) so the hope is the Niners can force mistakes and get some turnovers from him.
Offensively, the hope is the Niners can maybe use their new big-armed QB weapon for some longer passes, but I expect to see a steady dose of Mr. Gore to start the game. If the Niners can establish the run early, then the game should go their way. If the Niners are forced to lean on their passing game, this is where things can get dicey. Chicago is very good at creating turnovers, and they have forced 30 turnovers already. Charles Tillman himself has forced 7 fumbles. The Niners are pretty good at keeping the ball, they have only 9 turnovers, but time will tell. As far as I can tell from here, the weather looks good. Although it may be colder/wetter down by the ocean tonight.
All in all, an interesting game with Cappy getting his first start in real-time. He has shown some impressive arm strength and some nice runs out of the pocket in his limited action. We’ll see how he does against an aggressive defense. I think screens may be in order, and also some misdirection/trap/draw plays to get those active linebackers out of position.
Forty Niners Forever 
Huh. The spread is down from 6.5 to 3.5.
And the O/U is down from 37.5 to 34.5.
Figures.
I’m just hoping we don’t have another power outage like the Pittsburgh game last year . . .
The difference, Kevin, is Aikman had 2 years of playing QB with his teammates. They all practiced together, played together, and got better together.
Cappy’s coming in fairly cold with very little meaningful (2.5 quarters) of playing time. Give him 2 years of starts from now is the only way to compare the 2.
Put me down for a Niner win. 20-17. I found 40bucks in an old jacket hanging in the closet this morning. Good omen
I’d say 40-17 then . . .
Good point. It’s gonna be tough. Chicago gets turnovers and are really deep on defense — a green Kaep — Niners coming off a tough physical game = not good. Still, I’ll stick to 20-17 Niners
The point is, Kevin, it will be a tough row to hoe for Cappy to come in and be able to be successful against the best defense in the NFL in Chicago. It could happen, sure, but it’s going to come at the success of Gore running tough early, and the ability of the Niners to throw some play-action/misdirection plays that mean something. If this comes down to Cappy having to carry the team from behind, it’ll be even more difficult.
Kat’s stone cold lock…17-6 Niners!!!
Tolzien has to.be activated for this game right?
Otherwise were a Huge Hit away from Kyle Williams or Andy Lee at QB….Yowzer
Yes ST backup
49ers inactives: Alex Smith, B. Jacobs, L. James, AJ Jenkins, Looney, T. Robinson, I. Williams
I guess Jacobs has been relegated to team mascot. You know he’s pissed. He tried to cover his ass over his tweet the other day by saying he was talking about his other businesses. I believe you.
It’s looking like the only reason the Niners signed Jacobs was to get him off the Giants.
4th and one and Smith gets concussed? Aren’t those supposed to be Jacobs’ spots?
And yeah, Tolzein was activated for this game.
I think Kaep plays OK tonight. Nothing flashy, but a workman-like effort of say 15/25 for 190 TD/INT and 50 yds rushing. Just don’t lose the game. The Bears D is know for their ability to create turnovers. Play smart, play safe and secure the play.
Jacobs has never been known for his sterling attitude or demeanor. Ya gotta think that zero playing time is sticking in his craw but big and can’t be anything but negative. I certainly get the numbers game, and other players probably do to. But he strikes me as someone who always thinks he’s better than the guy in front of him. That may be true with Dixon, but Dixon plays pretty solid ST. Jacobs remains insurance. Surly, pissed off insurance.
Just checked the sportsbook, I was pretty close with my yardage prediction. The O/U for Kaep’s passing yds is 192 1/2.
ESPN is doing a feature on the “Banjo Man.” He’s been around forever.
I just learned he doesn’t get paid by the 49ers, but he gets a free ticket and makes about $400/gm in tips. $800 for playoff games.
I got to get my pick in for Phil…20-17 Bears. Special teams haven’t been so special this year. Bears return a kick for TD that makes the difference.
ok- that’s 3 of us but you da bear
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49ers 6 bears 3
Well I’m stuck at work tonight, no TV, just following the game online.
that sucks ! when do you get out ? btw kappy looked real good on the 1st drive !
Probably about the time the game is over, LOL.
we need playfakes
45 yards in the air on the first drive. If we can keep that up, we should have a good night.
Have to like the drive, but bad decision on 3 and 1.
agreed.