These are the times that try men’s souls. Or some shit. The season comes down to these two upcoming road games. The Big Easy and the Big Sleazy. Come out of this with a split, and there’s a possibility that we are still hanging on to that 6th playoff spot. N’Alwins has never been an easy team to play with their firepower and all, and its even more daunting playing them in their dome. Offensively, they are pretty damn good. Their offense is scoring better than anyone not named Denver. Drew Brees is lighting things up per usual, but the new wrinkle is the running game behind 29 year old journeyman Pierre Thomas and young Mark Ingram. NO Dropped a 245 yard rushing performance on the Cowboys last week. They have weathered the Gregg Williams/Sean Payton deal and are now thriving under Rob Ryan’s newly installed 3-4 defense.
The Niners? Well, we’ve (and everyone under the sun) has dissected, detailed, and debated the current failings of this offense. No need to flog the equine any more than previously done.
This is a huge game for the morale of this team and this young QB. A win would right the ship and hopefully propel them into the playoffs as the WC team no one wants to play. Lose this game, and it may start a slide right out of the playoffs.
Forty Niners Forever 
Yeh it’s a tough place to play Chuck but….They don’t have the Defense that we have and, we don’t have the Offense they have.
I’ve never been scared of a Rob Ryan Defense either.
Agree that this game is big for us in the standings.
We’ve basically kissed the Division title good bye, unless something monumental occurs.
I’ll be fine with getting in as a WCard.
I’m also hoping in a strange sort of way that Carolina wins the NFC South.
Too early to predict but, it’s possible, if we can steal the win today and, Carolina can sweep them in their upcoming matchups.
For now, we just have to get our house in order and make the Playoffs.
It’ll mean playing on the road but, playing is all that matters.
Ain’t over yet.
Best way to win this game is takeaways. Take care of the ball and the penalties while forcing and taking advantage of their mistakes. Provided our takeaways result in TDs and the defense keeps their points down around 24. Best formula for any road game but critical here I’d say.
I don’t care if the Saints put up over a hundred yards on the ground as long as it’s not in big chunks or 3rd down conversions. I don’t know how healthy Jimmy Graham is but I don’t think we can cover him without help if he’s healthy. That’s how they get you in five and six back defenses and run on you.
How can you cover three wides and a Jimmy Graham TE and Thomas out of the backfield with two safeties deep? Puts a lot on the backers especially if they’re keying on the backfield. Change a d-lineman for a nickelback and a linebacker for a dimeback? Makes getting pressure and playing the run tough. Need to beat them at the LOS, and all day long.
This is the sort of game that proves the worth of the effort they make all year. Contenders or pretenders?
Hey NoFear49er-
Our ILBs are probably the best in the League.
We’ll need pressure on Brees to force him into the shorter routes for sure.
Lemonier and Skuta should be helpful too.
Not sure what to expect from Wright if he gets the playing time.
We could be catching them at a good time, getting Malcom Jenkins in place of Vacarro.
We’ll see which 9er Team shows up.
Our D has been solid. No reason to lose a game when you hold an opponent to 10 pts.
This one is on the Offense to control TOP and get into the endzone.
Takeaways for points would be outstanding as well.
Have to get something going in the short passing game too.
Ryan is a blitz happy sort. Just don’t think they’ve got the LB speed to stop Kendall or LMJ on the short screen game.
Hope Roman finds a way to utilize it.
Need to take some shots deep also.
I think they give up alot without Vacarro.
Sproles is a terror too.
Again, I think our ILBs can handle that challenge.
Pivotal game for us.
Hope it’s not another letdown.
Sure would be nice to find a passing game.
No Typhoons, hurricanes or arrest warrants this week but its early. Winning this one would go a long way towards cleaning out the bad taste from last week. Typhoon Yolanda missed and so did the officer LOL but those Panters… ugh.
Send Roman back to the WAC 10 or whatever its called. Gravity seems to have pulled us back into the sardine can no thanks to him.
Do you want the bad news regarding today’s prediction now? I think I’ll hold off and allow you to enjoy the nice weather over on the island. The Niners and I don’t have to spoil everyone’s day — at least not yet.
According to Advanced NFL Stats, the Niners have a 4% chance of still winning the west, and a 68% chance of making the playoffs overall. I can’t imagine those numbers improving after we lose today…
http://www.advancednflstats.com/2013/11/playoff-projections-week-10.html
Yea, this one comes down to the d line play. We beat them last year by constantly harassing Bree’s and making him real uncomfortable when he went back to pass.
Aldon Smith having a breakout game will be key.
Despite all the hand wringing about our passing game, or lack thereof, I think this game comes down to our running game, keeping Brees on the bench and control of the LOS. Apparently MM is hobbled (already?) and so in the WR dept we’re supposed to see added production from…Baldwin? Osgood? Bueller?
Maybe the new good hands TE Carrier will get a pass thrown his way.
Yeah I predict a loss but who cares? Even I don’t give a damn about what I think. Of course I’m always ready to be surprised.
“How about a nice Hawaiian Punch?” And some vodka. That’s my exacta box for today.
I’m really trying to get excited by the Jets @ Bills, or Eagles @ Redskins, but fortunately I found the Jack Benny uberclassic “To Be or not To Be” on TCM.
I’ll still be laughing during the game. Hopefully, I can transfer some of that mirth to the Saints.
I may have to amend our opening WC weekend opponent — PHI making a strong push, especially today, in quest for the NFC East. They’ve already lost to DAL, at home no less, so the tie-breaks aren’t in their favor — yet. Final game of the yr — Eagles @ Cowboys.
Who would you rather play? I know which QB and team would have more history and garner more interest and evoke the most hatred…
How bout dem Cowboys!
That’s assuming we even *make* the playoffs. 😛
Worthlessberger looks oooh so appropriate in his prison stripe uni.
In his last 20 HG, Drew Brees has thrown 70 TDs. That averages out to a tidy 3.5 TDs/gm.
O/U 3 1/2 TD passes for Brees today? Drew is on my fantasy team(s), so I’ll recuse myself.
WTF didn’t Joe Flacco throw any passes to us in the SB like he just did to that Bears’ DE?
I still don’t know how we lost to Ravens in the SB last year.
HOW THE FUCK DID WE LOSE TO JOE FLACCO AND THE RAVENS IN THE SB?
In a few minutes, Jerry’s Toys are going to be in 2nd. The moon and stars are truly aligned today!
Nice fucking start
Could be along worse Jr.
Their winning the field advantage position, while shutting down Brees for now.
How do you throw in to triple coverage to Boldin??
Kapernick looks like shit. No way they win this game without the D scoring
They had better score on offense or kiss the playoffs good bye!!
Total fucking penalty grabbing Baldwin’s jersey.Fuck these refs on the Saints payroll!!!
They should not give up on the passing down the field. Missed holding call!!!
That leg buckled like it was made of rubber! Ouch!!!