As the 2012 season winds down, the 49ers aren’t exactly right where they want to be. The offense has been a little spotty at times, and the defense, minus Justin Smith, is struggling pretty badly. Special teams are a shambles, and the coaching staff was pretty badlyt schooled in that loss to Seattle. They are dealing with a lot of injuries, including the recently concussed Vernon Davis, Mario Manningham, and the still -healing KW and Kendall Hunter.
In other words, the injury bug couldn’t hit the team as a worse possible time. Even still, the team has a shot to secure a bye with a win over AZ, and a GB loss to Minn. Both eminently possible. Or they could fall as low as the 5th seed if the Niners lose, Sea wins, and a bunch of other weird shot happens. Sea has a shot at that bye week. How important is the bye? Well, let’s see how the team gets through the AZ game before dealing with that. More injuries to key players would likely kill their playoff run, but a week off to healthy up would do wonders to the team’s chances. More than likely, the Niners would be facing Chicago or Minn if they play the 1st weekend, or Atl if they get the bye.
AZ comes to town looking like a team that got beaten, robbed, and left for dead in a ditch on the side of the road. They beat NE on the road, and took care of biz early to go 4-0 out of the gate. Since then? 1-10. Ouch. They are in the midst of a QB merry-go-round, and their offensive line is flat terrible at pass protection. Their run game is stalled, and Larry Fitzgerald, an otherwise top 3 WR in the league, is wasting away as the QB du jour throws shit 10′ over his head, or down near his feet. Should Alex Smith hit the market, this is his likely landing spot. Granted, he’d be dodging LBs as he tries to throw, but if AZ can build a decent enough line around him, he and the team would be solid contenders in the NFC West next year.
Forty Niners Forever 
Alex throws that quick out, it’s a pick six. The CB thought he had it. Kaep just sped it by him.
That 3rd dn was ALL QB and WR. How bout that diva!?!?!?!
Now THAT throw Alex doesn’t make…
Got some mustard on that hotdog does Kap
Weak KO by Akers
Guy’s snakebit- hit on kicking leg on the extra point
Kap is 11 for 20, 228 yds, 20+ yds per completion, 2 TDs, no INTS. He’s moved the ball with very little help from Gore, except for the early bad field position drives.
I see no reason to entertain going back to Alex. Kap has not been that much better, but he has not been any worse, either. We still have trouble moving the ball intermittently, but that dates back well before Kap. The kid does not make any more mistakes than Alex, and offers a quick strike aspect to the offense that should only get better with time.
Good summary. Give him another camp and another good WR, and he’ll be very good…
How the fuck is STL holding SEA to 6 points???
It’s strange. Wilson is 8 of 10, Lynch is 72 on 11 carries, Wilson 5 runs for 25, and the Seahawks have no turnovers. Weird stuff.
Nice 3rd dn stop. Pivotal. Up 13, a decisive long drive here and now speaks nails into the Cards’ coffin.
StL isn’t a bad team.
Gore getting some tough yards. I don’t get the football move aspect of that play. That’s a catch. Ball in his hands, 2 feet down.
From the 36, I’d go for it here.
Got your wish, Grump. It’s a Diva Christmas!
Go for it. Pussy mpve here/
Here we go.
Good. Even if they blow it.
Nice conversion. Crabs has really stepped up and quieted the doubters this year, including me.
Yeah he’s no diva now despite the carping of Del
“Ditto.”
TD FRANK!!!!
Chip Kelly would be pleased
AZ had 128 yards in the first quarter, 19 in the second and third combined.
Nice to see our defense get back to playing well.
No kidding. Crabs has played his best this season.
Vikings up by three, first and goal at the Packer 7-yd line.
STL up by 4 -10-6
Touchdown, Vikings.27-17 if they make the PAT.
Minn scores = Peterson from Ponder.
TD for us too.
TD for Seattle, too. 13-10 if they get their PAT.
Busy day.
Down to the wire in the NFC West
Love to see Seattle lose just because
Because, Pete. (EOM)