The Alex hooraw (zzzzzzzzzzzzz) tomorrow notwithstanding, game one of the season looks to be a real interesting matchup. A real barn burner for the last opening day at what is the grand old (crippled, and derelict at 43) dame of football stadiums, Candlestick Park. After the Pack had manhandled the Niners for, oh 18 years, the Niners suddenly have the upper hand. Beating Green Bay in their house to open the 2012 season and trouncing them in the playoffs last year at home. In both games, the Niner defense held the high-flying Green Bay passing game and Aaron Rogers to fairly pedestrian passing numbers (249, and 278 respectively). This was accomplished by pressure. The Niners didn’t blitz, or even sack Rogers much in either game (3 in the 1st game, 1 in the playoffs). But they were able to generate constant pressure with their base defense, which allowed more downfield coverage, and thus picks (1 in each game). It doesn’t sound like a lot, but Navarro Bowman’s pick in the 1st game slowed a GB comeback, and Tarrell Brown’s pick in the playoff game kept the game tied. Each pick was followed immediately by a touchdown on the Niners part. Those were both big momentum swings in the Niners favor.
So, Green Bay has us up in their sights. They have been perennial Super Bowl contenders, and therefore feel its their God-given right to reach and succeed in the playoffs. They don’t lose very much, either, and we have handed them some of their most recent painful losses. Beyond that, the Niners edged the Pack out last year for the #2 seed, and the playoff bye, and used that to their advantage.
You don’t (or ever) hear much trash talking come out of America’s Dairyland, but the Cheeseheads are a proud lot, and don’t take very kindly to losing. Especially to the 49ers. A team that they used to beat with sickening regularity. I’m sure the Cheeseheads will be out in full force come opening day (and they are pretty damn nice and unassuming for the most part having seen them at the Stick for 2 straight playoff losses back in the day), but they certainly aren’t nowhere near the assholes that the Seahawk fans are. And what has Seattle done?
Beyond that, it beats talking about the preseason. Plus, one of our own, 12th man, is going to the game. Take some pics and I’ll post them here, 12th.
Forty Niners Forever 
Personally, I wish nothing but the best for Alex.
Worst case for me is he stinks it up, gets cut loose and starts thinking about how nice it was living on the west coast.
I’d have a lot more respect for the guy if he’d just once take some responsibility for his own shitty performances instead of perpetuating the story of “poor Alex” at every interview.
That scenario did evolve into a saga of it’s own. Be interesting to see KC’s take on everything. I also wish him the best, I am just glad he’s gone.
Only one thing counts, and that’s performance on the field. Well, 2 things if you’re a Niner. Character and behavior off the field, too.
Let the Cowpukes have the Charles Haleys of the world, let TO go run around the country destroying locker rooms.
We’re the San Francisco 49ers, baby!
I’d *prefer* character guys as well, BUT if it came between playing “Mr Congeniality” who couldn’t play a lick or the All-Pro who hit guys over the head with a 2×4 in his spare time…well, how long would you like me to cut that board for you, sir?
Quinton Patton is in uniform catching passes with BOTH hands during warmups. I hope he plays. Hell. Even he Patton plays with one hand he still has a better chance catching a pass than A.J.
Did you catch that “Pawn Stars” epidode where the former Niner cheerleader was trying to hock her ring from 1989?
They asked her straight up how she got it.
“We weren’t allowed to fraternize with the players.”
Then she laughed. It was hilarious. She kept the Ring.
Denny, enjoy your venom spewing tonight. This is really a game for you to truly shine.
Me? I’m not an Alex Smith “fan” since he plays for another team. But I respect what he did for us especially after Harbaugh turned him into more than serviceable
Pats-Bucs. All I can get but it’s only exhibition season.
Think I’ll watch a Jolie movie or something.
This is torture and it only just started.
TD, Brady to Amendola. That must’ve taken at least a minute.
2 point conversion now. This is pathetic.
63 yard kickoff return by the Bucs. At least there is one guy who thinks they can win.
Their defense might as well leave the field now.
I’ve always said the team performs best when Alex is sitting on the bench.
7-3 Chiefs. Great to see our ST have improved since the SB. Did you see who whiffed and was trailing at the 5 yd line? Craig fucking Dahl. I want his neck broken even before Alex’s.
First play after that return. Sack. Then a fumble. Now an incompletion.
Welcome to the world of the Tampa Bay Bucs.
At least Rob’s area of the world is gorgeous. They sure don’t know how to play football.
16 straight completions by Brady, counting the Eagles game.
It’s men against boys.
I’m just waiting until Brady throws an incompletion. He’s up to 18 now, going quick count, no huddle.
HE DID IT. He threw a bad pass. I’m gone LOL.
The future president of the United States threw a bad pass?
He just lost my vote.
Our STs look atrocious. In every conceivable way.
Correction: Phil “Richard” Dawson doesn’t have XXX against him. The Smith family will try to steal…
Well let’s hope this vanilla offense is not what we are going to see in the regular season. And if we go run heavy after crossing the 50 yard line it is going to be a long season. Only seen a few plays, but…
Boy oh boy, Harbaugh must be scared shitless of the injury bug to put in all second team in on offence!!
Damn and I thought the SF Giants offense was awful!!
There’s yet to be a completion to a WR by either team thus far.
‘Nuff said.
Denny–I’m bummed for you dude, 2 Niners had a chance to light Smith up on that run and they both peeled off. Oh well, maybe he’ll get killed in a car crash on the way home—something to look forward to for you……..
His play this first half was death warmed over. The Niners STs and offense gave Alex terrific field position for all 30 mins. Smith generated a total of 6 pts.
Oh! The Chiefs are keeping Smith in. He DESERVES to get injured.
He couldn’t do a thing against our 2nd team D….except live. He and his family have to be stoked about that
I’ll tell you this, if you play in a PPR league you best draft Jamaal Charles first overall. With Checkdown Charlie leading the way JC could catch 100 passes out of the backfield.
For 3 yards a catch? What’s the point. Charles has gone top 3 in most NFBC drafts and 1st in a few of them.
What’s the point? How bout 100 of them for just catching the goddamn ball. Not to mention JC could very well run for 1500 yds. I think he’s a great pick. But I sort of have to root for Alex if I select Charles. I’m torn.
I don’t really play fantasy football, I was just thinking about the # of yards/td’s generated, not the # of catches…. I’m a 5X5 guy, fantasy baseball.
Have we cut A.J. Jenkins yet? Fuck him and the horse Baalke rode to Illinois to scout him on.
He looks like a fan who snuck into the game and put on a uni
When is Art Schlichter up for parole? The Niners need a b/u QB. Art could do better than what we have currently. I’d bet on it. So would Art. 😀
Daniels is a fun little story but he’s a midget there’s no way he makes it against first team NFL guys– those dudes are fucking buildings, he’ll never see around them
I agree, but Daniels has looked the best of the lot. But it matters not who’s out b/u QB. If Kap goes down the chances of winning the SB is over. As well it should be. If Rodgers goes down, the Pack are the out. Brees goes down, Saints chances are over. Matty “Ice” slips, the Dirty Birds are finished. If the “Rapist” from Pittsburgh gets put behind bars, the Steelers are done. If Andrew Luck has none, the horseshoe doesn’t find the ringer. If the midget in Seattle gets swept up in a tsunami, the Hawks chances are washed away. If the future president of the United States gets vetoed, the “Hoodie” will say absolutely nothing as usual, but the Pats w/o Tom Brady are useless. And if Peyton Manning breaks a leg and the Bronco needs to be euthanized, I’m sure you guys will make me watch the horse take the needle underneath the tent. That’s a tough one. But I’ve been there and done that.
Early SB Prediction? You kidding me? It’s way too fucking early. But I’ll tell you this: I’m hoping for 49ers vs Bengals. I know that outcome. Saw the first one in person in Pontiac. Sec. 111 Row 45 Seat 35. I play those numbers in the Lottery. How’s that working out? I’m still sitting here talking to you guys. 😛
Daniels obviously has skills that play in the NFL. Tolz and Colt are just dudes who can take snaps and know the plays. That’s it. Maybe Daniels overcomes his height, other QB’s have over the course of history. Different NFL today tho
My buddy owns Undisputed Gym in San Carlos– frank gore worked out there exclusively in the off season. He said Gore trained like a madman, like a fiend. He wants to have a monster season
Hey, Chuck. I just tweeted your blog to my 800+ followers on Twitter. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I was just at 600 just a little while ago…just trying to attract more Niner fans. The more the merrier I always say. Especially when someone else is buying drinks.
Dos Equis dark for me.
I’ve only two things to say. I hate preseason games. AJ Jenkins sucks.
I second that!
Nipper, who’s the most famous guy you ever stood next to at the men’s urinal? Me? It was former Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. Fairmont Hotel circa 1984. I was there with Moms and the GF enjoying the Tonga Room. I told him I voted for Reagan.
The 49er defense is going to be a monster. Haralson, Reid, I. Williams, and Cox are sure making it better than it was last year…which is hard to do.
The offense will have home run potential with Kap. Alex, while being classy and talented will never be that guy. I still want to see if Hunter can be effective again. Gore will need to be handled right for him to make it to the end of the season.
Iupati needs to keep his head on a swivel during pass protection or Kap’s head will be on somebody’ pike.
Wait till Tank and Lemonier get into gear.
Sorry, I’m still trying to gouge my eyes out after watching the Tampa Bay Bucs last night.
When I get done throwing up, I’ll be back.
Practice makes perfect!
Fuckin’ A. Another day, another move. Caught some of the game after getting the cable hooked up here in Lafayette. Done with the beach and out to the hills. Fricking Haralson looked pretty good yesterday. Didn’t see much else but the last TD to Jacobs?
As far as Daniels goes, fucking Russell Wilson is short. He gets the job done. Uh,he did last year. It’ll be interesting to see how Wilson. RG and Kappy do this year
Yeah, Chico, Yer crackin ,me up. Used to live on Walnut St. in San Carlos. Right near Eaton on the RWC border. Did I tell ya about the good old days going to Harry’s Hof Brau back in the day when the Niners used to practice at Sequoia?
Hey Chuck..I Still live in San Carlos.Top of Eaton above Alameda (Roland) .Great times watching the 49ers practice down in RWC
Still go to Harry’s great comfort food and Bar.
Also still pop into Canyon Inn.Lots of 49ers went there after practice. Owner still has all the great old shots of the the “DYNASTY TEAM” all over the walls.
Including one of my All-time favorites ..DanBunz stuffing that Bengal RB at the goal line…”IN YOUR FACE” DENIED ENTRY TO OUR ENDZONE MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!!
Yeah, the canyon inn is cool. Usedtogo Bunz”s place in Roseville when we moved up this way. Lots of great stuff in there too.
Two observations from the KC Game.
Alex can’t beat our 2s
Our ST kick coverage units need lots of work.
After that.
Our future looks bright on Defense.
Wilhoite, Stupar and Moody all looked good to go.
Once we find some WRs we should be absolutely solid.
Liked how Jewel gets into the scrum and looks for daylight.
Doesn’t think too much like Dixon does.
Should be interesting to see how Baalke massages the Roster for Manningham too.
Don’t have the details on how the PUP works once the 53 Man headcount is whittled down.
Perhaps he can buy 6 weeks there?