6 days and counting before the Super Bowl. What a long crazy season it has been. From the finally broken W-W-L consistently inconsistent play of the team to the emergence of Colin Kaepernick as the weapon of choice for the 2nd half of the season, the team has gelled at the right time. The playoff games showed Baltimore that the Niners can run the read option with Kaepernick or with Gore. The playoff games showed the Niners can overcome adversity with the early pick 6 in the Green Bay game, and the 17 point deficit in the Atlanta game.
My hope for this game, however, is a faster start by the defense. Both playoff games the defense was on their heels early, and they gave up points. 14 in the GB game, and 24 in the Atl game. They settled down, created some turnovers, and shut down both teams to the tune of 3 point by GB (with a late garbage-time TD), and 0 points to Atl. I love the adjustments, although last week, I don’t thinkthey changed much, they just started playing better and wore down Atl’s line and got more pressure on Natty Ice.
Thanks to Kevin for the pic above. I’d love to figure out how to contact those soldiers and let them know we are behind them all the way.
Forty Niners Forever 
I’m having a hard time trying to decpipher how this game will go–both teams are so evenly matched and both have hard-nosed, physical D’s. The 9ers may be faster but the Poes have the edge with experience and knowledge. This one could really go either way and it will most likely be decided by turnovers and probably a little luck. So I’ll say SF will win this one by 7 just because of the Kapernick x-factor–SF over Faultimore, 24-17. But I won’t be surprised if the Poes take this one. We shall see…
Saw a vid on CSNBA of VD and Delanie walking through NO, talking to Mindi Bach on the way. People were getting autographs from Delanie. Two observations.
1. Why would anyone want Delanie’s autograph?
2. He didn’t drop the Sharpies…
Yeah he’s had a hard time stopping the Kapper fastball but dropped plenny a Alex’s throws too. Maybe it was the tough catch in the 4th Q (?) across the middle where he held on after two big hits in the middle of the field- on the game winning scoring drive. On 3rd down too. I’ll look at that again to check. Don’t drop one in the SB Delanie
I don’t think that much of Matt Ryan. He throws a nice ball, but I don’t think much of him as a leader. The NFL gives guys nicknames who need them. Think Brady, Rogers or Brees need nicknames? And does Matt Ryan pass the foxhole test? Hell no. Neither does Alex Smith. Now Colin Kaepernick, yes. I’d want Colin in my foxhole because A.) He could chuck the grenades while I laid down a mean cover fire. B.) He’s skinny so he doesn’t have to eat much. C.) I’m pretty sure we’d laugh a lot. D.) He’d guide me through my dementia like a leader is supposed to.
If Alex Smith was in my foxhole, I’d have to throw the grenades while Smith “managed” the covering firing. But eventually the scouting report would show Smith wasn’t a threat from long distances and while I was throwing the grenades, Smith would be shooting trees (in the stands) and the sniper would shoot me in the gut. Then I would be the one not eatting so much, and we certainly wouldn’t be laughing all the time because I would be dying of gut shot because Smith could throw grenades or lay down covering fire. And none of this would do my dementia any good. There’s no way we’d be on the Kaiser’s front door step (like we are now) with Smith. No chance. Now Colin? With Colin we’ll slay that bitch.
Uhhmm, yeah, okay…
couldn’t* ….. damn dementia.
Remember back in the day when the 49ers couldn’t come from behind with Alex Smith and the fans who loved Smith pointed to games like the Philly game to prove Smith could in fact come from behind? (if you watch that game, Frank Gore lead the come from behind charge.) Well, gone are those days for the 49ers, but I’m not so sure that’s the case for the Ravens. I don’t think the Ravens can come from behind and score quick points. Sure, they can throw deep, but it’s a one dimensional quick strike offense. Take away the deep ball and what do you have? A quick strike offense is one that gets chunks in a hurry in a number of different ways. Kaep can run it for a TD, throw a bomb to Moss, or he can throw lasers for 20 and 30 yard passes, and don’t forget the screen.
At the Pro Bowl, Jarred Allen was asked, “You guys beat the 49ers this season, how’d you do it?” Allen responded saying, “You have to jump on them early and make them play from behind.” But Allen added, “But now, with Kaepernick, it looks like they can play from behind now as well.” That’s a big psychological benefit for Roman, Harbaugh, Fangio and the rest of the team. If the game doesn’t go our way early, we’re still in it thanks to Kaep. I don’t think the Ravens can say the same thing, so I hope we’re able to jump on ’em early.
Remember back in the day when Alex Smith stole your lunch money? Man, that must have really damaged you. Try to turn the page and be happy that the 49ers are in the Super Bowl.
I double dog dare Alex Smith to try and steal my lunch money at any point in his lifetime. Sweet Jesus I could have avoided a lot of Niner pain by inventing a time machine and making sure he played soccer.
Awesome photo. Where was that taken? Anyone know?
I found it on facebook. I wish I could get more info.
All I know is it was taken in Afghanistan.
Good find Chuck.
Kwame Harris, luckily nowhere near the Niners anymore.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_22466896/ex-49er-raider-kwame-harris-charged-beating-ex
Ex . . . . Boyfriend?
Didn’t Donahue draft that guy to guard Jeff Garcia’s backside? That figures.
Now this is front page on the gate.. They’re slower than shit but it will no doubt get the page clicks from the trolls.
Spitty, you are treading back into bye-bye territory. Don’t push it fuck-o.
Just be thankful the Niners have the best backup in the game. For one more game.
IMO, the only way the Ravens win this thing is they get at least one bomb type TD pass, and a couple more long bombs to set up another couple of TDs and/or couple of FGs. Torrey Smith is pretty good at getting behind the defense, and we’ve been susceptible to that off and on this season. Keep the long bombs to a minimum or not at all, and the only thing that can lose this for us is turnovers. Ginn needs to step up, no mistakes. As for Akers, if it comes down to his foot to decide the game, well, we just better not be in that position…
Yeah, Ginn actually was pretty decent in these last couple games. Those returns were killed by penalties though. Mistake free, yes. Goldson is always the wildcard. He got burned early a few times in Atl, and had a stupid penalty in the GB game, but has otherwise done OK. Brown has done well even with the TD off him in the Atl game. That was just a flat excellent catch.
Army Guard guys on top of an Army shithook.
Check https://www.facebook.com/CAGUARD
One of the guy’s sister has them and their unit id’d.
Thanks NoFear
Thanks, No Fear. I dropped ’em a quick thanks on their facebook page . . .
Yeah, big thanks to No Fear.. I scooped the photo and put it up on my wall.. Lots of friends and family that are/were service members who are Giants/Niner fans. They’ll love it.
Dragging this forward- trying to keep up with the many threads on SB Week:
Super Bowl Scoring Challenge Niners VS da Ravens. Step right this way gentlemen and lay ‘em down. Who you gonna call?
Chuck: I’m going with 31-20. I think our offense can run on Baltimore, and if so, then the passing game opens wide. I also think our D line will eventually get to Flacco and he’ll make a critical mistake. Contain Rice, and I think we can slow their passing game to the point of frustration. Baltimore has also been burned by big returns on both kickoffs and punts, so I think the Niners have an advantage on special teams as well. That is, if it doesn’t come down to a FG.
Twinfan: 17-16 Niners. Well, it will be closer still in 2 weeks… 3 or less. I have it 17-16 Niners but I’m hating how the kicker deal has been handled. It was way late before they brought in competitors. Anybody remember that guy who was working at a bar like a week before the Falcons signed him and he kicked 5 FGs or so to win a MNF game?
Grumpy Guy: 28-27, 49ers. With these teams (49ers and Ravens), both want to run, to get some big plays in the air, and beat the holy fuck out of you with their defense. I think we are *slightly* better, but it’s close. They weren’t right much of the year with Suggs and Lewis hobbled but that’s over. I’ll make my call now – a very close game, but we’ll squeak through. 28-27, 49ers.
Nipper: Niners will take another one 35-31. They will not need Akers.
12th man: Niners win by 2 scores. Niners are better than the Ravens across the board. Spit mentioned old slow LB and to an extent he has it right, he didn’t take into account that Brady is a statue and even Ray Ray can pressure given enough time.
Kap is no such animal, Niners will be balanced at the QB position, I think we will see him run and throw, a mixture of the Falcons/Packers games mixing it up, add Gore/LMJ and the Ravens are out gunned. Look for Crabs to reappear too. Flacco is a top tier QB, but like Rodgers he can’t win from the bench. Niners by 10-14 points.
barleyfreak: 21-17, Niners. The Ravens have a good OL. But I think when the chips are down, we are the hardest team in football to run against. I have a shit ton of respect for Ray Rice — he’s dangerous. But I think we contain him and keep their rushing mostly snuffed. This game smells low scoring. The casual fan may be disappointed, for it sets up as a slug fest. I see some big hits, personal fouls, blood, snot and vomit. 21-17, Niners.
Spitblood: If the 49ers blitz Flacco a lot, 38-24, Niners. If the 49ers rush 4 most of the time, 38-30. I don’t know if I see a low scoring Super Bowl. You can run on the Ravens. Ballard 91, Hillman 83, Ridley 70 (before he was knocked out of the game). Those guys aren’t Gore and James. You setup the run and then it opens up the pass, obviously. I think the 49ers score in the high 30s. The Ravens score comes down to pressure. Aldon not having to chip or jam Gonzo could mean more pressure, but I still think the 49ers will need to blitz Boldin…. a lot. If the 49ers blitz Flacco a lot, 38-24, Niners. If the 49ers rush 4 most of the time, 38-30
NJ49er: Let’s say 24-13 Niners. We have to use our speed to win this one.
Our Defense is younger and faster than theirs. Our Offense is capable of beating their LBs. Another situation like we saw in Atlanta. Work the crossing stuff and keep RayRay moving laterally. He won’t cover the likes of Vernon or Delanie. Get Frank, LMJ and Bruce into the pass routes too. LMJ in the open field is something I want to see. This all comes down to handling their pass rush and not giving up sacks. Perhaps spreading them out could prove to be profitable? See what Jim and Roman cook up for the fast indoor track. Looking for us to ‘out quick’ them. Be nice if we could get something in the way if production from AJ too, since no one has seen him do anything all year. He could prove to be the secret weapon we hope he should be.
As Spit eluded to, I too would like to see a game plan involving the short screen game to keep RayRay moving laterally and slowing the anticipated pass rush pressure.
Get on the edges, LMJ, Frank, Bruce too. Kaep will no doubt take his deep shots to keep them guessing too. Spread them, screen them, work them sideline to sideline.
They’re an older Defense in some key areas and we need to utilize our speed.
Crossing routes all day to wear Ray out. Randy gets a RING!
Phil: 28-24 Niners. Close but da Niners get the cigar for #6
winder: 24 – 20 Niners in a real snot rocker, this one could get real ugly.
shaman138: 24-17 Niners. I’m having a hard time trying to decpipher how this game will go–both teams are so evenly matched and both have hard-nosed, physical D’s. The 9ers may be faster but the Poes have the edge with experience and knowledge. This one could really go either way and it will most likely be decided by turnovers and probably a little luck. So I’ll say SF will win this one by 7 just because of the Kapernick x-factor–SF over Faultimore, 24-17. But I won’t be surprised if the Poes take this one. We shall see…
2nd edition. Plenty of time to get yer bets in gents
Aldon Smith named winner of the Bill Walsh award.
Nice. Now let’s see him hoist the Lombardi award!
A guy from Cal Nat’l Guard said they’ve gotten over 23,000 likes on that pic . . . !
Rumor that the MVP of the upcoming Puppy Bowl is a schnauzer named Alex…
Wasn’t Alex judging that competition as well,with his clipboard in hand?
Interesting article
http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/ravens-narrowly-win-super-bowl-xlvii-predicts-madden-143021478.html
Aldon Smith winning the BW Award is a bit of a head scratcher since it’s supposed to go to the team MVP. Justin Smith has won it twice and I think an easy case could be made for him winning it a third time. But whatever, it’s voted on by the players, they know more than I do about who’s *most valuable* to the team…….
Phil, I’m going with a super bowl score of Niners 35 Baltimore 16. I almost went with the Niner/Dolphin score but I don’t think Akers gets a chance to kick so I’m going with 5 td’s and I’m already on record as saying I think Baltimore will score something with a *6* in the ones spot since 3 of our 5 SB’s have featured that number in the loser’s one-spot column. And the Niners scored 26 in their first SB so a *6* has shown up in the ones column of Niner Super Bowls. That’s important to those of us who bet on exact final score because anything with a 6 in it usually pays 40-1 or so (except 16). I don’t, or at least I *hope* Baltimore doesn’t score 26 points and if I give them 36 then I’m picking them to win by a point. So that’s why they have to score 16. But I’m going to bet on them scoring 6/16/26/36 just to cover all my bases…..
I’m gonna be in Reno for the SB with a bunch of old college buddies so you guys get a break from me for the super bowl…. 🙂
Gotcha ‘covered’ Flav. Have a great time up there
it’s a lateral move Phil, but I appreciate the well wishes!
Elevation . . .
Flavor I’m going to use your numerology trends with the Super Bowl Roman Numerals depicting the number 47, or XLVII.
Since we haven’t been in the Show for 18 years, I’ll invert 18, (just to reverse the curse).
18 becomes 81.
Year of our first Championship of course.
Good omen.
We can all agree, the wait has been way too long.
Extra Long in fact.
Extra Long = XL for my purposes here.
We want to forget the XL portion.
Subtract XL from XLVII
You got it, VII
VII = 7
Kaep’s jersey number.
Advantage 9ers
We’ve played in, and won, 2 SBs with the number 5 (Roman numeral V of course).
2 + 5 = 7
Kaep again.
Advantage 9ers.
XLVII
Our SB winning numeral V, sits dead center, between the XL and II.
The bulls eye on any target is always Dead Center.
So, one can only come to one correct conclusion…..
V = Victory
See, what I like about this analysis is that it involves math. And math, as we all know, involves logic and proof which you have brilliantly outlined in this post. Well done!
Nate Silver got it wrong. We’ve overcome the w-w-l thing, We beat the SI jinx. The Niners are going to take it.