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.
Forty Niners Forever 
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…