Just when it was safe to have an inkling of hope for the 49ers, Aldon smith decides to go an a little rampage and get into a fight with someone over a parking spot. After ramming the offending parker, Smith apparently left the scene and decided to get his drink on. Smart guy that he is, he goes back to the scene of the dust-up and is promptly arrested. Of Course Aldon denies being drunk when he hit the guy. He decided to get drunk after the fact.
Whatever. Until he realizes that he’s his won worst enemy, he won’t get any help. Thing is though, a talent like that won’t be on the sidelines forever. Pacman, and a few others, have made the trip from iron bars to the gridiron.
Anyhow, Tomsula apparently insisted on handling this alone, much like Harbaugh did the first time around. The only difference being Jimbo felt no problem with letting Aldon play hours after being let out of jail. Or letting RayMac play despite 2 run-ins with the police regarding domestic violence charges. Because, you know, winning matters more than character. say what you will about Tomsula, but he handled this situation very well.
Other than that, Frank Gifford passed away over the weekend. He was a little before my time, and Christ, I’d think death would be a happy escape from Kathy Lee, but for all intents and purposes, he was a great football player. I never liked him though. And I don’t know why. Too goodie goodie I guess?
Guys of that era went through a lot more punishment, as penalties were pretty much not called on anything that didn’t constitute attempted murder. The guy was MVP one year, and led the Giants to a championship in the 50s. He played running back, a little QB, defensive back, and became a WR after famously getting knocked unconscious by Chuck Bednarik of the Eagles and retiring for a season. No penalty of course. The picture of Bednarik exulting over his unconscious body is an enduring legacy of football in the golden age.
Beyond that, he was a very good, if bland, announcer for The NFL Today on CBS, and more famously as the foil for Howard Cosell and Dandy Don Meredith on Monday Night Football for nearly 30 years. Though he was a highly respected football player, he didn’t reach the HOF until 27 years after his retirement. Hmmm. I don’t dislike him so much anymore.
RIP Frank.
Forty Niners Forever 
My take on the play calling was Harbaugh and Co made it way too hard. They wanted to get the perfect play in and they never got things in fast enough. Given that there were 4 guys in on every decision makes the situation slow at best and unworkable at worst.
Thanks, John.
From one CB to another:
“As soon as he (Gifford) caught it, I really puffed him, and his head snapped back and the ball flew, and (Unca) Chuck Weber fell on it. I clenched my fist, I turned around, and I closed my eyes and I said, ‘this fucking game is over!'”
– Chuck Bednarik, after his hit on Frank Gifford
Guys
More evidence that we’re moving in the right direction. I just read somewhere that we’re working on getting the snap off in under 20 seconds
Carr with an ugly endzone pick. That one’s tied with Mariota’s earlier for dumbest pass of the day.
Ponder with a remarkably similar pass from the exact same location moments later on the next drive: TD! Ponder was another guy I thought would be great. He sure wasn’t on the Vikes. He looks good in the Silver and Black.
Yeah in these pre season games it’s nice to look good and not get hurt. Oh yeah and make the team. So few do.
Broncs beat the Seahawks in Seattle. I don’t care if it’s 4th stringers who won’t make the team, YEEEEEEHAW!
If I hear the QB yell out “let it roll” or “kill” today my only thought will be to “kill” the coach!
New thread is up!!!!!!!!
Huzzah! The season is nigh!!!!!