In a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the score indicated, the 49ers beat the stuffing out of the St Louis Rams yesterday in one of those beautiful fall days that make Niner games all that much more enjoyable than the good old days of Giants games at the venerable, and nearly defunct, Stick. A game that started with a pre-game shoving match picked that theme right up with a lot of chippiness on both sides of the ball. Pushing and shoving, late hits, and a really terrible violation of Vernon Davis’s giblets was the theme of the day.
The Rams were coming off 2 big wins against what were thought of as bona-fide contenders in Indy and Chicago, but the 49ers made Kellen Clemens look like, well, Kellen Clemens. The Niners kept breakout rookies Zac Stacy and Tevon Austin completely in check. Stacy had 72 yards, and Austin had 4 catches for 25 yards, and was a non-factor returning kicks. The starting defense pitched another shutout, giving up only 2 FGs in the game, and were hitting everything in sight. WRs started getting alligator arms, which led to drops, and a Carlos Rogers pick.
The only real black mark was the fumble by Gore as the Niners were driving to put the game away. However, Jeff Fisher did us a solid and inexplicably tried a 4th quarter fake punt deep in his own territory. The Niners stopped it easily and salted the game away on the next play with the TD to VD. This was after recovering from being tackled by his (ahem) leg. The rest of the game was backups and garbage time.
All in all a good win against a decent team. As they have shown this season, the Niners can beat fair to middling teams. AZ did us a solid as well by losing to Philly, but then again, Philly suddenly is a contender for that last playoff spot on the back of Nick Foles’ golden arm. Philly has Deetroit coming to town while we of course have our big showdown with Seattle. After that, Philly has Chicago and Dallass (and the Vikes). The Niners have it pretty easy with Tampa, Atlanta and AZ.
There’s plenty of time to talk about Seattle, but let’s just see how they do against Nawlins tonight. I tell ya one thing, the Niner passing game was immediately better with Crabs in there yesterday.
San Francisco 49ers Forever 
Good synopsis Chuck.
I thought the playcalling was better last week and moreso this week. Crabs certainly had some impact. We are seeing some quick hitters and some long ball 2 weeks in a row. Teams won’t be able to stuff the run if that continues. Squawks were built to beat the Niners but that backfield is all of a sudden vulnerable so Squawks will have to pick their poison as they can no longer put their DB’s on an island completely.
Looking forward to the Saints game tonight to gauge just how good the starting back 4 still is. Hopefully Brees puts them under some pressure.
Agree that Crabby opened things up for passing. And, he’s only going to get more game ready in coming weeks. With Crabbs on board, Kap looked more relaxed and definitive. That 60 yarder to Crabby he nicely laid right over the Dback and onto Crabby’s arms as he was in full stride. Alex never made a throw like that; well, at least I don’t remember him making one like that…
In real time I thought he had overthrow Crabs at first but it was a perfect throw as you say.
I can go for some crab about now.
I’m picking the opposite of Dennis. Whatever his position, I’m against it. Is it me, or what……I’m sick and tired of car commercials, jewelry ads, fast food joints, drugs for old people etc.
Dick pills, feminine products and anything ass related top my list.
I would like to see some TD passes to somebody other than Boldin and VD. That floored me yesterday when I heard the TV guys with that stat — no other Niner this season has a TD pass. Start spreadin’ the wealth now with Crabby back…
Surprised they haven’t throw to Miller around the goal line. Good pass catcher for a FB. A chip block and into the flat sounds good.
Like to see Miller used some more as well 12th.Always seems like the forgotten man even tho he starts.Kap use to toss a wheel route to him in the past for big gainers and now they never try that play.
Bummer for Fullbacks their really a dieing breed now.Few teams use them.
Hey Kat! I figured Miller would be the main beneficiary of losing Walker, becoming the new swiss army knife but it didn’t happen. Underused skillset IMO.
I think Miller had as many targets as Crabs, and as many receptions.
How ’bout those o-line replacements on the left side? Shut down the mighty Quinn.
A.Boldin and V.Davis are as happy to have Crabs back as Crabs is to get back. CK7 is even happier. I never figured Crabs would look so ready to go forty-some snaps.
Still need some work on converting 3rd downs though.
Vernon learns the lesson of the lowly cup. Dollars to doughnuts he had one in place for the leap.
I saw 1 to Miller NF but again I was commenting in general about the lack of use of Miller other than lead blocker not specifically the Ram game..
Boone is a bona fide LT playing in the wrong spot on the line (RG) and doing it very well.
Looney had a good first game I thought.
Well if VD continues doing those leaps he will be missing those “Doughnuts” soon.
Someone will really drill him.
Bet the coaches will say enough of that,we need you healthy for the playoffs.
I almost fainted when I saw the stop-and-go to Crabs. Worked to perfection, and Kappy threw the perfect strike. Hey, if Boldin and VD are the only ones to score TDs, let it be. Sure, they should be more diverse, and I’m sure Crabs will get one soon, but if they are the ones getting open down there, go with it.
Yeah, you’d think they’d try a chip route with Miller off play action on the goal line. That’s my next wish to see happen. Some kind of play like the one they used VD on last week.
(They’ve taken care of the slants and stop-and-go’s).
They did begin to diversify the playcalling last week and added to it this week. With Crabs back I hope to see more diversification.
My next wish is to see some hurry up from time to time to surprise the D. As Winder said over on Skeebs the D gets a 25 second blow every damn play.
Hey maybe if Roman keeps reading your blog we will run out of things to bitch about??? Nahhh.
Ready for this Monday night game, a little extra emphasis today!
Go Niners!!!
I don’t hate the Seahawks. I do, however, despise their coach, their PEDfed team, and most especially their wannabe never were so-called fanbase.
Can somebody please run the clip again of the Kingdome imploding? Having been there for a Mariners game once (I kept waiting for a fly ball to hit one of the hanging, overhead speakers. Alas, not to be that day), I truly enjoyed that precious moment.
How are the SuperSonics doing?
Hey 12th man,
I saw somewhere this morning that both players had four targets and two receptions. Just making the point that Miller has been very much involved in the passing game. He was the #1 target more than once IIRC. I think he has more targets than Frank on the year.
Not a lot of choice given the injuries and personnel packages we use but that is bound to change now. Now if we just had someone to run go routes.
Maybe once Patton’s foot heals, he can run a few. He’s not a real burner, but he might be faster than Crabby…
That’s my hope as well. Seems we have more of a collection of slot-types besides Vernon on the seam routes now and then.
You may be right NF, I haven’t looked up his stats to make a point or anything. It feels like Miller is not really involved other than as a battering ram to me with a spot play here or there maybe. I say every game to find the ball on any run play just home in on Miller, it’s very predictable. Frank has been poor in the pass catching area for several years now so Miller getting more opportunities than Frank would not be a surprise to me, as few as they seem to be.
Much happier overall with the playcalling.
Sarkisian left UDub today for USC. Maybe UDub could pick up Roman…
Game over. NO sucking big donkey dick!!!!
Brees away from HomeDome not all that. I don’t know how this game has gone, just flipped it on as I got home from work. 17-0. He better get it going, Alex Smith could keep it closer than that…….
I’ve pretty much sucked on my football predictions this year, but I think New Orleans still wins this game.
A prediction that better not be right: Kansas City 9-7…
How can that dwarf not take any big hits with all the damn scrambling he does? One good hit and the Squawks are in trouble, come on Saints fer goodness sakes.
Gruden makes a strong point, The Squawks receivers are playing high/low and all run in the same direction as the QB when he scrambles giving him easy completions on designed or busted plays.
I’d love it if KC went 9-7 as it would improve our 2nd round pick. And I really don’t think Seattle blows this lead.
As much as the Hawks are the hated assholes, you can’t help but admire Wilson’s game. If Kappy gets a sense of the field anywhere near as good as Wilson, he’ll be all-pro.
I hear a fat lady singing…
That’s just one of zebras counting his Christmas cash.
12th that is the exact reason I get so pissed off at the Niners and their offensive philosophy. Especially when Smith was here. Whenever Smith broke contain, the WRs would all go deep. So while Smith is running for his life, the WRs all have their backs to him. There was no comebacks or even dragging toward him to give him a target. I still see a lot of this happen when Kappy gets flushed.
It’s the curse of the Mooch lingering on. Jed’s gonna need more time to exorcise all Papa’s shit
Well I have to give due where it’s merited. Squawks pass rush has been strong and so much for my theory of a makeshift back 4 being less effective. Squawks will take some beating in the parrots cage.
The only team between Seattle and the SuperBowl is the Niners…
Until the Niners beat them, it looks like the SB is a lock for Seattle
Esp if SB is in Seattle. It would be nice to kick ass Sunday and put a little doubt in their heads
Yep agreed
Well that was a nice feel good story Chuck, but I will still say not scoring at all in the 4th quarter is a concern. Do you really think the Niners will be able to get away with that against Seattle? By tonight’s score I would say no. If you guys think the Niner offense can turn it on whenever they want I have not seen that at all. The 4th quarter was a huge gaping hole on offense. Not even a FG?? You gotta be kidding me.
It doesn’t matter, Kevin. We didn’t have to score in the 4th quarter yesterday. Each game is different, and we just have to wait and see what goes down. Seattle should have lost to Houston. We kicked their ass. It bears nothing on next week’s game. I mean, if we can’t beat Seattle in our house next week, then there’s little hope we can beat them in the playoffs in their house.
We just have to see what happens.
Yeah, Seattle has battled through injuries and suspensions, and they still play untouchable at home.
Even if we win next Sunday it’ll mean little if we have to go through Seattle to get to the Super Bowl. The thing is, we won’t play them til the NFC Championship game, if we get there, so I guess we have to hope Carolina beats them on the road?
Chuck, like I said not even a FG, that means we did not even cross the 50 yard line. What is going to happen if the Niners are just 1 score behind in the 4th quarter?? That is the other thing the Niners have not shown they can come from behind to win a game. These are serious concerns in my book.
I’d be happy if we are only down by one score, frankly. The point being, the Ram game has no bearing on the Seattle game. These games all unravel differently. What you should be concerned about is we lost the lead in the 4th quarter in both the Carolina and NO games. The offense stunk in those games, and it looked better in the last 2. Some of it is the opponents. Some of it is us getting healthier.
There’s a ton of shit to be worried about, but this isn’t one of them. The fact that the Niners didn’t score late in yesterday’s game means nothing to me.
Wasn’t quite that bad. Davis scored his TD in the fourth Q and we mostly ran Dixon after that.
Davis scored his TD at the 14:41 time mark. Like I said Niners didn’t score in the 4th quarter!!
Davis’ score made it 23-3 so we didn’t need to score any more and had absolutely no reason to give them a chance to get back in the game with an errant pass or bobbled catch. Every coach in the league would have played it that way.
23-3 should be 23-6, same game logic.
Obviously Seattle did not play it that way to night by just running the ball!
If they scored in the fourth quarter tonight I must’ve missed it.
Seattle 4th Q plays:
RUN
RUN
SACK
RUN
INC
PASS
RUN
RUN
RUN
RUN
RUN
RUN
RUN
RUN
PASS
RUN
You are right NJ , my big mouth mistake
Meant No fear
Our offense needs to get lots better, no argument there.
Another shining example of a Rob Ryan Defense getting embarrassed.
If we had something more in the passing dept we should have taken it to them in NO ourselves.
For all their hype, the Saints don’t have much of a Secondary IMO.
Once again, it was another of those games we let get away.
They sure as hell aren’t tackling worth a shit tonight. Seattle is making them look like chumps.
Hate them as we do NoFear49er, they’re a tough bunch up there in Seattle.
We have our work cut out for us in the coming years.
Going to be interesting to see what, if any, wrinkles Roman and Mangina have concocted for Seattle next week.
After this cakewalk vs the Saints tonight, they hardly broke a sweat.
I was hoping for a body bag game.
No shit. I was hoping for a battle at least. This is a fucking breeze. They are impressive to say the least. Wilson is playing as well or better than anyone in the league. He has excellent vision and rarely gets hit hard or makes a bad read.
Going to be a challenge for us Chuck, especially with our OLine concerns.
I want to see something creative from our Staff for this one.
Up against Seattle without Staley and maybe even Iupati is going to rough going…
I don’t hate them, NJ49er, any more than any division rival. Some of their players, and a lot of their bandwagon phony fans, maybe. They won’t have it so easy against our defense. Yes, they are a good team on both sides of the ball. Tonight they got all the breaks and the calls, too. I’m surprised Sean Payton didn’t have a better game plan for them.
Speaking for myself, there’s a little extra chip to get this Seattle rivalry back in ou favor.
Just hope our braintrusts have worked out something more than they’ve shown in our recent matchups.
Payton goes as far as Brees takes him. I really don’t think the Saints are anything special.
Much like GB, they rely on their Offense too much IMO.
We need some of that in our repertoire.
But I agree, our Defense vs Seattle is a major factor.
Seattle has had more than their share of breaks this year, but tonight wasn’t one of them. They couldn’t have beaten them any harder than they did. It makes out loss to NO all the more hard to swallow.
My hope is the fact that we have most of our skill players back and we can control the ball better than NO did. Seattle being on the road on a short week also plays a part in this. No turnovers for the Niners, and force one or 2.
The big issue I have is the fact we haven’t closed out any tough games this year. Our wins have all been double digit except for GB. We’ve blown late leads and have let games get away.
GB? Seems like years ago. Let’s get back to that
34-7 They suck.
BLEEP!
Damn glad it’s in the Stick. Win one for the old pig sty…
New Orleans playing in rain and cold of Seattle exposes the Saints as the fair weather wimps they are. Get them outta the Dome in the playoffs and they’re like a Po’ Boy dropped onto the sidewalk — a mess…
Well the upside to this is, Saints got a beatdown on the national stage.
Up to us to show some stones in the rematch and, get a WIN.
27-17 Niners
You heard it here first.
I’m listening, 27-17.
BTW you called the 10 point differential against da Rams RT. I had said 14 which was pretty good until 18 seconds to go against our backups
My comments are made cause I don’t want anyone here thinking the Niner Offense can suddenly go toe to toe with Seattles. The Niners have a lot more to prove in this up coming game than Seattle does, if nothing else Seattle could coast on Sunday to prevent injuries if they wanted to. The only thing that will keep that from happening is Pete hates Jim and vice versa. If nothing else Pete will try to run up the score to show the Niners that his offense cannot be stopped.
The Hawks were smothering the line with up to ten guys. One safety. 4-6 of those 10 would then drop into coverage. The quick short to intermediate middle was wide open all game.
Brees just didn’t have time to take advantage. No time at all for a quick hitter (or anything else).
This game has Gore up the middle, QUICK slants and Kappy’s feet outside written all over it. Gore in the second level and see youse later.
Tough to watch the Squawks cake walk all over the Saints but the Niners D and them coming to the Stick is a whole other ballgame. I will take the Niners in a close game.
27-24 Niners
Consolidating:
rtfirefly says: 27-17 Niners. You heard it here first.
Nipper says: 34-7 Niners.They (Sea) suck.
Come on you pigskin prognosticators spill it
How’s 17-13 9ers sound PF?
I’m not especially convinced our OLine is going to handle things as well I’d expect due to injuries.
Hoping we sneak out with a tight Defensive victory.
21-17 Niners Phil
Gotcha Kev, NJ, Man, Chuck. Let’s git ‘er going fer the stretch run
How about the story following the KC loss to Denver that other day?
Turns out the victim is the son of a KCPD Sargeant.
Very curious……
http://tinyurl.com/nyl77cd
What I don’t get is they say 8 times in the article that the guy broke into a Jeep. That’s a Chevy pickup truck that they’ve taped off.
A new world has opened up that I had overlooked – Niners at #5. Saints and Panthers yet to play two. Say goodbye to the Fish Market, put away the umbrella, and say hello to those beauteous Tarheel gals in the divisional round.
Gooooo Panthers! “I’m goin’ to Carolina in my mind.”
Let the Hawks slug it out with Jim Schwantz or the IggBoys before we go up to whip ’em in The Land of 10,000 Types of Rain.
Niners 30 – Hawks 24
Gotcha Kev, NJ, Man. Let’s git ‘er going fer the stretch run
Point differential has narrowed of late from out of this world +27 from the Nip, +10 RT, +7 Kevin to +3-4 from the rest of us. Place yer bets O mighty seers of future Forty Niner fortune and fame!
It would do a world of good to beat these guys at home.
I’m hoping against hope we can shut them down on offense and get an early lead to build on. Chasing these guys is not a recipe for success. Besides, they have come back in a lot of their wins. They’ve looked bad winning and looked great winning. The point being they are winning. This should be their toughest road game, though.
20-16 Niners.
If the Niners can’t beat them who can?
Carolina. The Super Bowl winner comes out of the NFC this year.
Carolina had them beat to start the year, but lost it on the late DeAngelo Williams fumble.
To me the Niners are a better team than the Panthers. I get they lost to them but I think the Niners win that game 9 times out of 10.
If the Niners get to a playoff game in Seattle, secretly put the radio equipment that the QBs have in their helmets into all the offensive players’ helmets. That gets rid of the noise problem…
Get the league to declare noise over 120 db illegal. 15 yard penalty every time it happens…
It used to be the case that the ref would issue a penalty for excessive noise that didn’t allow the visiting O to get their play off. Now it is a celebrated thing.
Yeah, I’m serious about what the league should do in looking at this. Why should one team, due mostly to the configuration of its stadium and acoustics, have a huge advantage over the visitor because the visiting team can’t communicate over intentional crowd noise? I’m not trying to be a wuss here about home field. But, if the Niners brought in jet engines and allowed the crowd to turn them on when only Seattle was on offense, wouldn’t that be considered illegal advantage and banned? Why is that any different than using the crowd and stadium acoustics to render communication by the visiting offense essentially impossible?…
NO tried noise-cancelling earplugs yesterday. Take the results as you will.
We could always turn the lights out if they jump out to an early lead.
yup it worked before.
And what’s up with all the “investigation” drama over the Tomlin screw up. They have the replays, are they going to call for a senate select committee to take testimony, too? Unsportsmanlike penalty on the spot and maybe give Jones the TD. Big fine levied against the coach and move on.
Otherwise those officials at the Redskins game better be next in line for the $100k fines and another $100k from their union if Goodell wants to penalize the team, too, in Tomlin’s case, if the “integrity of the game” charge means anything. As well as fines and flags for everyone else that steps onto the field during a play. Jim and most of you other coaches, you know who you are, I’m looking at youse guys.
Yeah, the hooraw around the Tomlin thing is baffling at best, ludicrous at worst. Give him a 15 yard penalty. No, now we hear Pittsburgh might lose a draft choice over it. Total joke. Especially when you take into account the monumental fuckups by the refs in recent games. But yeah, fine Frank Gore $6,500 for showing too much calf, and fine Clay Mattews $7,500 for nearly removing Kaepernick’s head on an OB tackle. Justice? Equality? Watch out for the fashion police. It’s like the old Canon camera commercials. Image is everything. The rest is window-dressing.
BTW, there’s some old footage of John McKay when he was coaching the Bucs trying and failing to keep his team from getting too close to the sidelines. Funny stuff.
Look, Tomlin did that on purpose. It’s easy to figure that out. What coach “accidentally” turns his back on the play, looks sideways until immediately before the runner gets near him, then jumps into and then back off the sideline in front of the runner? No coach “accidentally” does all that is the answer. And, has an S-eating grin immediately after. The runner could have gone for a TD, he slowed and altered course to the inside — then got tackled. If he makes the TD, the Ravens beat the spread. People in Vegas may not be happy with that. That is what’s driving this for the league. I’d go with a suspension. Coaches aren’t players. Keep your coaching ass off the playing field when there’s a play in motion. It’s bad enough most of them come halfway onto the field in between plays, and Harbs is one of the worst offenders…
Send him a box of chocolates if he promises not to do that again. Second offense he loses his big toe.
OK time to stick my oar into Tomlingate.
If a coach interferes with a play, intentionally or not, it should be a 15 yd penalty tacked on to the end of the play and a first down. It should also be a hefty fine on the coach (6 figures) and the possibility of a suspension (that Jets coach for instance) if intent can be established.
I don’t agree with taking a draft pick from the organization, even the Steelers.
As for the Skins ref BS, that crew should be removed from any post season consideration automatically for screwing up that badly and effectively killing any chance (slim) of the Skins tying the game.
I would also evaluate their body of work as a whole after the season to make sure they are worthy of bringing back next year and tenure be damned.
As for your other point Chuck about how unevenly fines are levied it’s an utter farce. Goody has made a mockery of the whole thing. Is Merton Hanks still the guy handing out the fashion tickets?
Personally, I don’t think Tomlin interfered on purpose. Seems like he was embarrassed after realizing his mistake, but either way he shouldn’t have been there. He broke rules doing it and did interfere. I would have thought awarding the TD as a penalty and a hefty fine would have been appropriate. Then throw a flag and a fine every time some other coach and/or players ignore the rules and step on the field during game play. Suspension and draft picks are too heavy-handed and overkill. Always seems designed to flaunt Goodell’s unlimited power.
Good point on the Vegas angle, Snarkk. That hadn’t occurred to me but it makes perfect sense to explain all the hoopla.
Playoff scenarios for the NFC West from Matt Barrows:
NFC West
With Seattle three games ahead of the 49ers with four games to play, it would take a meltdown of colossal proportions for the Seahawks not to win the division. The 49ers’ best hope is to finish December so strong that they earn the No. 5 seed and the Panthers the No. 6. That might mean that instead of going on the road to Seattle in the divisional round, the 49ers go to New Orleans and, if they win, then presumably play Seattle in the conference championship. Goosebumps, anyone? An even more ideal scenario: Carolina somehow pulls off a road win in Seattle in the divisional round and the conference championship is played in San Francisco. How’s that for a goodbye to Candlestick?
49ers: SEA (11-1), @TB (3-9), ATL (3-9), @AZ (7-5)
Seahawks: @SF (8-4), @NYG (5-7), AZ (7-5), STL (5-7)
NFC West Playoff Scenario from Matt Barrows:
With Seattle three games ahead of the 49ers with four games to play, it would take a meltdown of colossal proportions for the Seahawks not to win the division. The 49ers’ best hope is to finish December so strong that they earn the No. 5 seed and the Panthers the No. 6. That might mean that instead of going on the road to Seattle in the divisional round, the 49ers go to New Orleans and, if they win, then presumably play Seattle in the conference championship. Goosebumps, anyone? An even more ideal scenario: Carolina somehow pulls off a road win in Seattle in the divisional round and the conference championship is played in San Francisco. How’s that for a goodbye to Candlestick?
49ers: SEA (11-1), @TB (3-9), ATL (3-9), @AZ (7-5)
Seahawks: @SF (8-4), @NYG (5-7), AZ (7-5), STL (5-7)
Final thought…….BLEEP HIM! He ain’t worth it.
What’s most egregious about Tomlin isn’t the fact that he stepped onto the playing surface, he didn’t belong on the white runway in the first place.
That area is designated for the Officials to maintain an operating lane.
I don’t for a minute feel as though Tomlin would stoop to that sort of an antic but, he’s clearly not supposed to be in the ‘paint’ to begin with.
The Official even had to navigate around him and, still didn’t flag him.
The Officiating in the League this Season is at an all time low.
I see no major difference between the ‘Pro’ and Replacement guys from last Season.
Snarkk to your point about the Seattle noise factor, I’ve asked the same question.
What happened to that rule from years back?
It isn’t doing the ‘Game’ any favors to have an opposing Team playing at a disadvantage.
I stay out of that debate for the most part, because it does paint us as ‘Whiner’ Fans but, it does present the visiting Teams with a major handicap.
No logical reason from a League perspective to allow the game to be influenced in that way and continue to sell the ‘Integrity’ of the game.
Why not put an all out effort into promoting a Boat Horn Day or something for the game on Sunday?
Every Fan in attendance should pack one and be permitted to use it as a way of showing ‘Fan Support’.
I saw a piece about the Seattle plane banner being planned.
Let’s drum up some of our own ‘Home Field Noise Machine’ support.
Send a message to Goodell that SF Fans can disrupt and sabbotage Seattles’ Offense too.
Those over-caffeinated weenies in Seattle think it’s great to eff with opposing Offenses and simply call it Fan Support.
Time for SF Fans to step up find a weapon of their own to obstruct the game too.
Fog Horns, Megaphones, Boat Horns whatever, show these guys we can make noise too.
Hell, I’ve seen those horns called Fan Horns anyway.
Be a Fan, bring a horn and some extra freon.
Jed should even consider supplying them since these ‘Zero Carry’ rules basically prevent you from carrying anything but your car keys into the game anyway.
C’mon Jed, let’s make some NOISE!
Yeah, they banned mechanical noise makers years and years ago. I used to have one of those annoying-ass plastic horns back in the 60s-70s that were made famous in the world cup soccer games. They tear the shit out of your lips but they are loud as hell.
Still think Seattle is doing something to jack up the noise.
Chuck the Seattle stadium’s design provides a ‘clam-shell’ effect which more or less is an echo chamber of sorts.
I’d suspect there are some sort of amplification mechanisms too but, who’s going to investigate?
I believe they stopped the ‘crowd noise rule’ sometime back because it wasn’t easy to enforce and certainly provided a built in delay factor.
What should be done is to have an official of some kind that can monitor sound levels and hold all teams to the same standard.
This game has gone so far as to provide booth reviews and ‘flying cable-cameras’ on field so, why not level the playing field for everyone with some sort of enforceable sound levels?
It is a major advantage when the home team can audible and deter or completely influence the visiting teams from doing the same.
Let’s just hope we can get ourselves into the Post Season and see whether our Staff has devised anything to improve our communictions.
I’d like to think we’re smart enough to have some things going on behind the scenes already.
I have seen placards this year being utilized on the sidelines.
Thing is, I don’t think that necessarily aides the OLine.
Might help the the WRs outside certainly who can look to either sideline.
Be great if we had enough foresight to have a choreographed series of plays that could be run from hand signals in a No-Huddle fashion.
Get something that Marv Levy used years ago in Buffalo.
Gas a Defense with a package of plays everyone can adjust to on the fly.
See how things go……
I do recall some sort of devices being used back in the Walsh-era though.
Didn’t Steve Wallace have a hearing impairment?
I saw Brees with the device in his ear last night which sort of makes no sense unless it’s there for him to hear the play calls in his own helmet.
The crowd noise impacts audibles and snap counts which screws up play timing overall.
Cheapens the game IMO.
Clearly disrupts the game when false start penalties start changing down and distance that ruin chances for an Offense to get into rhythm.
Might as well allow all fans the ability to carry pocket mirrors and pocket lasers, blind opposing players on sunny days while they’re at it.
Fan participation just the same I’d say?
I think every time Seattle is a visiting team somewhere the home stadium should get the crowd all the help it needs to render Seattle’s offense unable to hear its own signals, just like Seattle’s home fans do to visitor offenses. This will bring the issue to a head, and force the NFL to figure something out and lay down some enforceable rules about the noise in Seattle. Who wants to see one single team have an artificial and unfair advantage over every visiting team? That’s not what the NFL parity is all about. It’s got to the level of being ridiculous…
Exactly Snarkk.
‘Game Integrity’ only fits when Goodell wants to hand out fines.
Seen any penalty flags thrown for ball spinning yet?
I haven’t.
Must see spinning balls at least twice every Sunday.
Officiating on the whole sucks A$$ lately too while we’re at it.
They damn sure had rules outlawing so much crowd noise at least while the other team’s offense was on the play clock. Apparently it was Goodell who had the noise rules relaxed with the stated intent of getting more fans into the whole stadium experience. And that ‘sounds’ just like him.
You’d think with all his lip service and phony concern over player and fan safety it would be impossible to condon a decibel level that everyone would agree causes permanent hearing damage in a matter of minutes of exposure time, much less allow the encouragement of it. Maybe he will change his tune when players get smart and start suing for permanent loss of hearing after playing in Qwest and a few others.
I know, a decibel concussion. That’s the ticket. Make it a matter of money, or a “profit deal.”
How many airline workers do you see on the tarmac without hearing protection NoFear49er?
Guinness already concluded that sound levels have approached jet engine levels in that stadium.
Perfect analogy.
It’s a workplace hazzard, making it next to impossible to function as a football Offense.
SF should retain Counsel and notify Goodell.
Can’t perform our job as an NFL Offense while playing in an environment that is detrimental to the health of our players.
Christ, I was just reading a piece about 5 former KC players that are going after the Chiefs directly for head injuries suffered while playing there.
Seems like there’s a period where the CBA didn’t exist which leaves a window for the lawyers to make hay.
Goodell wants to play lackey to ownership interests, so players are lawyering up to take some of those billions in revenues, anyway they can get it.
http://tinyurl.com/kt54ad3
The game is turning into a joke, where Vegas and billionaire owners dictate the terms.
Revenues are through the roof and, they’re seeking expansion into Europe.
If Goodell can’t see the lopsided effect of crowd noise on visiting teams in Seattle, he’s simply not paying attention.
A good old fashioned Owners Meeting is probably all they’d get but, it is detrimental to the game.
What’s fair is fair, both Teams deserve a level playing field, so to speak.
I agree NJ49er, at least within some reason.
Found this little piece for your interest. Ah, the good ol’ (pre-Goodell) days.
http://tinyurl.com/kax3cv8
Very interesting NoFear49er.
What the H3ll happened to that rule I wonder?
It prohibits the home clubs from encouraging noise, yet contradicts the spirit of the rule by citing, ‘crowd noise for the purpose of disrupting the visiting teams offense while the play clock is running is prohibited’.
I’d be interested to hear Goodell’s take on the stretch of victories enjoyed up there in Seattle.
Teams visiting that arena haven’t faired well for sure.
Noise level related impact most certainly would be at the top of the list of any team he chose to speak with too I’m sure.
This game is getting more aggrevating by the year.
Can’t hit, can’t celebrate, can’t trust the Officials to get it right half the time.
Ridiculous.
I know it’s pie-in-the-sky hyperbole but, fans want to see good clean competitive games.
Nobody wants Officials killing momentum or, influencing games with repeated penalty flags for false starts and the like, due to visiting teams’ inability to hear play calls.
Effs up the enjoyment.
Just another in a long list of gripes I guess?
What should happen is, doing something like Brian Billick pulled years ago at the old Veterans Stadium in Philly.
That playing surface was the absolute worst in the League and Billick refused to put his team out there to risk serious injury.
Stuff was basically turf carpet over concrete, with gaping crevices between the seams.
I believe it was a Pre-Season game I believe but, it sent a message.
Harbaugh would come off as a bigger nut case if he tried something like that however.
Just fuels the argument about 9er fans being whiners too.
Saw a piece from Bellicheat about challenge flags.
His point was coaches should be able to challenge any play, regardless of what it is. Keep the same 2 flags and if both right get a 3rd part of it.
Why pre-determine what can and can’t be challenged? Some games turn on bad calls that can’t be challenged now.
Leave it up to coaches to decide how best to use his 2 max 3 challenges.
Like it!
Any Dennis sightings? He certainly takes imbibing seriously.
Yeah, I remember those days when if the noise was too much for the visitor offense to function, the QB would back off the line and raise his hands and the refs would call time. It didn’t help much, but only because there was no rule that would give the offense penalty yardage. If you gave the visitor offense penalty yardage, the crowd would ratchet it down. I see this morning the Niners are taking my advice. They’ve put out a recommended list of things for fans this Sunday to do, including noise, to make Seattle’s visit as uncomfortable as possible. I think Seattle’s 12th Man bull is going to start a backlash against Seattle when they visit other teams…
Nice link, NoFear. That was Tagliabue, right? I think it was around 1973 when I couldn’t bring bring my annoying plastic horn to games anymore.
Any dome team certainly has the advantage as well regarding crowd noise. And any game can certainly get loud, but I rarely recall the crowd noise unsportsmanlike penalty being called. Maybe 2x? in the years from 1970 to 2008?
The point being, Goodie Goodell is shilling for the owners to get butts in the seats at the cost of player safety. Hence Thursday Night football. And many other decisions.
BTW, Tomlin was fined $100,000 and there’s discussion of either taking a draft pick away, or dropping their draft spot in a round.
Lunacy. Let the refs fuck up games with impunity but let’s come down on Tonlin for wanderionmg too close to the field.
I don’t have a problem with penalizing Tomlin big time, because I think he did it intentionally. That behavior has to be discouraged, big time, especially from a head coach. As far as the refs go, I think they’re being asked to make judgment calls on these enhanced safety rules that are prone to wide swings of interpretation from hit to hit and ref to ref, so they’re taking the shit that Goodell and the NFL lawyers should be taking for instituting these rules. If they want to stop the inconsistency and fan upset, just make a rule that the QBs can’t be hit in the pocket. Period. If they’re grabbed or touched with two hands, they’re down. It’s probably going to end up something like that anyway. I don’t think the present situation can go on for more than another season where one guy is penalized and fined and a game lost (Brooks v. Brees), yet another guy destroys the QB in another game and nothing is called…
Snarkk, the down and distance thing in the Washington game had nothing to do with player safety. It was completely and unequivocably a major fuckup by Tripplette that directly affected the outcome of the game. Don’t know if you saw it, but on 2nd and 9 at midfield near the end of the game, Garcon caught an 8.5 yard pass. The ref spotted the ball, and the line judge signalled 1st down. They moved the chains and all the down markers read 1st down. RG III was in hurry-up and he then threw an incomplete 15 yard pass. All of a sudden it was now 4th down, per Tripplette, not 2nd down. No explanation and no stoppage of play. Wash converted the 4th down play, but the WR fumbled, thus ending the game. The point being, they made like 5 mistakes on the 3 plays, and not once did the refs stop play to clarify anything. The refs certainly affected the play calling, as you certainly don’t call the same play on 1st and 10 as you would on 3rd and 1. Especially when you don’t even know that it’s 3rd and 1. But yeah, fine Tomlin.
Sure. Taking a draft choice? Ridiculous. Tomlin isn’t that stupid. The Jets coach tripping the guy who was OB was blatant. That was moronic. And he may have thought he was shielded by other players and such. Tomlin knows there are 50 cameras on him at all times. He’s not going to even pretent that he thinks he can sneak out and do something like that and not be spotted.
And, rest assured, I’m sure Washington would have figured out another way to piss away the game, but they shouldn’t get help from the refs. I certainly have no love lost for Washington, but that’s because of Joe Theisman.
Chuck, I had no beef with raking the refs over the coals on the ‘Skins first down fukup. Not sure where you thought I did. I’m talking about the penalties for the roughness hits ala Ahmad Brooks…
Yeah, I’m mainly talking about the NE game and the Wash game where the refs really screwed the pooch. The NE game, they wrongly picked up the PI flag and ran off the field. Then this Washington one.
What irks me is no explanation, no sense of getting things right. Let’s just CYA and move on.
I’m pissed about the Brooks call, mainly because shit like that happens every game and doesn’t get called. Kappy was grabbed around the neck and twisted to the turf IN THAT GAME and it didn’t draw a flag.
I feel a Dr. Phil day coming up at the ‘Stick, so I will go with a 49ers 22- 20 win.
Slippery Pete’s PharmaChoax are all healthy, and appear ready for the final leg of the season. Though with four weeks remaining, there is still enough time for another suspension or two.
I have no doubt the Niner defense will be ready, even in week 2, they held up their end, and the game only got out of hand after the offense imploded with turnovers.
IMO, this game comes down to Kaepernick’s decision making and patience.
Yes, Iupati & Staley out will make it that much harder but, if a team has Superbowl aspirations, it’s QB has to overcome adversity and make key plays to keep the chains moving.
Chuck brought up a good point earlier: with this year’s squad it’s either boom or bust games. Either the Niners blow out the opponent or they mill around for a couple of quarters and then the game gets out of hand. Here’s hoping that they figure out a way to close out what I think will be a tight game.
The O line did well without those guys. I think they are going to blitz us a lot to test our cohesiveness. The Niners REALLY have to get a set of quick passes in order to deal with their blitzing and their jamming CBs. They may need to look at rolling Kappy to the rightand dragging a FEW guys with him short and medium depth.
And lets not forget the Carolina (?) game, where Vernon got his head ripped around by the facemask while fighting for a first down, which resulted in a fumble.
Those types of missed calls should absolutely be challenge worthy.
Who gives a flying rats’ A$$ about Head of Offiiciating Dean Blandino issuing a post game assessment?
You want these games to maintain a level of integrity while they’re being played, not impacted adversely because the Officials can’t get things called properly.
These Officials are either on the Vegas Payroll or, suffer from bouts of temporary amnesia regarding their job responsibilities.
Either way, this Season especially, has had more ridiculous ‘non-calls’ than any I can recall in recent years.
I’d like to see a system by which Officials are treated like Teachers.
You earn tenure after you submit a few years of qualified production.
Then you keep your seniority by maintaining exceptionally high production based on League review.
That, and that idiot ‘Former’ Head of Officiating Mike Pereira, getting all this in game face time commentary, while the plays are being reviewed.
If he was any effn good he’d still have a job.
If Fox can keep him on their payroll to make these reviews, Goodell can do the same with a qualified League retained Official to get the calls made properly before they’re made final.
Don’t hold back now, NJ. Tell us how you really feel.
Bleep!
LOL RT,
I’m just getting tired of the Officiating having so much negative impact on games.
These Officials can’t seem to get their collective heads out of their A$$es lately
It’s ruining my viewing experience 🙂
I might have to file a law suit, as it’s negatively impacting my health.
Seems like the only way to get through to Goodell is to bring a legal team.
He’ll have you flagged for roughing the commisioner.
Me too. That Wash game was a travesty, for one example that I actually saw and said wtf just happened. (And Tomlin ought to be tarred and feathered! We’ll provide the feathers Sunday.)
Brooks’ sack, Gronks PI, the DC game, Vernons’ facemask/fumble (might’ve been with Rams not Panthers) all adds up to incompetence.
Even the shot to the head on Kaep vs the Rams, though it went our way, it was a totally bogus call.
The League just figures it all evens out perhaps but, it’s taking away from the game.
Tell you one thing more, this game with Seattle will probably be a flying laundry party too.
I just hope there aren’t any serious injuries to either side.
Let them play, flag the egregious stuff.
Sick and tired of Officials screwing up game rhythm and, still getting too many calls wrong in the process.
What kills it for me are PI calls or lack thereof on the corners. Completely inconsistent from game to game on potentially critical calls. Can’t tell you how many jersey grabbings uncalled I’ve seen. It can sabotage a passing attack.
Uh,oh. AHHHHHH-CHOO!
IT’S CONTAGIOUS! FLAG FEVER!
I hear ya RT.
Not sure how these Officiating Crews are assigned now days but, the League should keep the crappy crews assigned to the games that don’t have Playoff implications too.
No different than broadcast crew assignments.
Keep the chump Officials away from the high profile games.
Just as they select the best Crews for Playoff and SB assignments, they should do the same for regular season games as well.
In my conspiracy tainted view of the League, I sometimes feel that they manipulate outcomes to maintain ‘parity’.
Good ‘ol boys at the top, in that imaginary ‘smoking jacket lounge’ at the owners meetings drawing straws?
Sometimes I wonder…..
BTW Chuck, I think our answer for the Slot is QPatton.
He’s apparently not listed on the Injury Report now too.
He should be a big addition heading into the stretch run for us.
That would be nice. But, how can he be expected to offer much production in key games when he’s basically been out the entire season? Harbs doesn’t seem to want to depend on rookies for anything important — unless the “rookie” is named Kaep…
I’ll take that back. Reid is the exception. But, he’s on defense….
He got some action through the early part of the Season until the foot injury vs the Rams back in Sept Snarkk.
Who’s to know what he looks like in practice at this point?
The fact that he’s been invisible could go either of 2 ways.
He’s being kept off of game film for the surprise factor or, he’s simply too raw to rely on.
Having seen some of his College production, he looks very comfortable taking care of his business as a route runner.
Very talented kid, hope he’s the ‘Secret Weapon’ as opposed to the ‘Underwhelming Rookie’.
Yep, I do look forward to him helping out. He was a good route guy in college, good hands. Hope it translates…
We stand a much better chance of making progress if we can get Seattle to play Man to Man.
Only way we do that is to put capable WRs into the Routes.
We’re finally getting them healthy.
Hope it makes a difference.
As I’m picking through the pool of College WRs, this kid looks interesting.
Only a Red Shirt Sophomore, but could declare for the Draft –
Looks like a nice option. Big body, good hands.
Kelvin Benjamin – FSU –
6’5” 235 –
Nice Red Zone target.
He’s being rated in the 3rd Rd area right now.
Likely will go higher once he starts getting some attention if/when he declares –
Even looks like he could give Kaep a run for arm ink too 🙂
I just want a win……is that too much to ask…..at home?
That all depends who you asked. The Good Santa never disappoints the little boys and girls of this world and would most certainly make your wish come true. The “Bad Santa” (2003) would say, “Wish in one hand, shit in the other and see which one fills up first.”
It’s a fine line between Santa’s.
Ho Ho Ho HO!
1. Stop complaining about the officials. It’s not only pointless, but it’s denigrating
2. For the love of Christ, stop fucking whining about Seattle’s 12 Man and it’s “unfair” advantage. Who the fuck are you people? If you’d like to turn the tables, tell the fans at Niner games to put down their iPhones, iPads and iDontgiveashitwhatelse. Stop taking photos, texting and tweeting and do what Seattle fans do — get drunk and make noise. That’s it. That’s all they do. You can’t have a friendly family-filled experience and a decided HF advantage. Choose one or the other. You don’t get both.
3. Have a Merry Christmas.
Have you seen the fucking stadium in Seattle? It’s not their fans being super special. It’s the way the stadium is built; it funnels noise down onto the field. Put the Niner fans in the same damn stadium, you get the same noise…
Last time I checked CenturyLink Field fits within the rules and regulations on how NFL stadiums should be or should have been built. Jed & Co. had every opportunity to duplicate this effect when they designed the new Levi’s Stadium. They went with the deluxe WiFi, solar panels and green roof package. I don’t want to hear another goddamn word.
The Seattle fans are no better than the Niner fans. BFD they can make a lot more noise because of the shape of the stadium compared to the Stick. Outside of home, the Seahawks are really good, but not near invincible. How’s that for another word?…
I’ll accept a bottle of Maker’s Mark. Thanks.
The good stuff!
But what really got my goat this week is that the 49ers had to send out e-mails to the season-ticket holders reminding them when and when not to make noise this Sunday.
Pathetic.
Nothing pathetic about it at all. Hi season tix holder. Make noise, wear red, help the team win, let’s be our own 12th man. It’s pathetic when a team ownership doesn’t give a shit…
Yeah Dennis! Get thirsty!
No. So sorry. What’s fucking pathetic is that our organization has to *try* and match Seattle’s enthusiasm. Enthusiasm should come from within. Enthusiasm? Enthusiasm…
Denny Downer will always find something to complain about.
Wah Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
Over 160 comments mid week Chuck, not too shabby.
7° F now and dropping. A little noise in Seattle? Bah Humbug! Adapt and overcome.
I hope we play the Fisheaters there for the SB. We’ll end that curse.
Ignore the Hawks offense this weekend. Go get yourself a beer and a hotdog, or just enjoy the view. Freak their asses out away from their security blanket.
I was complaining about 24f this warning, feels positively balmy compared to your neck of the woods RT.
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AgND6EYPoZ4y3OhtItziLYubvZx4?fr=yfp-t-900-s&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&p=day%20tripper
That’s for Dennis! (WP still eats my posts on Skeebs’.)
Hmm, that place looks vaguely familiar…
Network ate my comment about Candlestick 1966. Play the vid with the go-go Chicks and it shows up after.
and Schaub responds to the fans’ booing with a 2nd half comeback win off the bench.
aw ferchrissakes! Commence booing.
Close, but no cigar. Schaub with the Sanchez-like pick in the end.
How bout them Jaguars? 4-1 in their last 5 . . .
New thread is up.
Happy Holidays, Season Greetings, and a very Merry Christmas to one and all…
Now that we got that bullshit outta of the way…our game Sunday vs Seattle matters not. Not, I say. Why? I’ll tell ya why…because even if our Niners win Sunday. It will do nothing to dismantle the 12th Man advantage that Seattle will have as the #1 seed during the playoffs.
1. Seattle BYE
2. New Orleans BYE
3. Detroit
4. Dallas
5. Carolina
6. SF
So we get a trip to the Motor City to try and beat a Lions team that *might* lead us to Seattle if we’re fortunate enough to beat Bert Lahr. And then we would have to beat Seattle in Seattle? The nerve of you people…