. . . the weird turn pro. My old neighbor Hunter Thompson would be highly amused by the NFL these days. At le4ast with the state of the 49ers. Hunter, who at one point talked football on the press plane with Richard Nixon while vilifying him in his Rolling Stone articles, recounted the story of Nixon recommending a few plays to then Redskins coach George Allen. Turns out they lost 6 yards and field goal position and ended up losing the game.
Ooops. Sounds familiar, eh? The new up-tempo offense, and the revamped coaching staff has produced the same result so far as last season. Well, actually, no. We managed to beat Baltimore while my wife and I were driving around the Tuscan region of Italy last year, so we had the stellar record of 2-4 last year. So we are a game worse. Changing QBs didn’t help things much, but then again, the injury depleted defense was ripped to shreds by LeSean McCoy. Someone who seemed to want to prove something to his ex-coach. To the tune of 140 rushing yards.
Colin Kaepernick looked weak and rusty as he missed passes and couldn’t seem to get into the flow. Then again for a guy who is 4 months behind Gabbert, he looked just as mediocre. Which is good, I guess. He’s playing for his ticket out of here, so we’ll see how this goes the next few games. He did extend some drives with his legs, and did hit Torrey Smith for a deep TD for a change, but all in all a sub-par game.
For all the shitty play though, the Niners were still in the game midway through the 3rd quarter, down by 4 and driving after a 26 yard scramble by CK. On 3rd and 1, we tried a run up the middle. of course we tried the same thing on 4th and 1 to the same result. From that point, Buffalo took control.
And this is where I get pissed about play calling. Chip HAS to know that if he doesn’t get the 1st down on 3rd and 1 that he is going to go for it on 4th down. If that is the case, then take a shot on THIRD down. Play action 5 yard pass to a TE or some shit. Something more imaginative than 2 runs up the gut. As it was, Buffalo took over, and 4 plays later scored a touchdown, putting them up 24-13.
Folks will call the game a blowout, one we didn’t have aa chance in, but the game turned on that 4th and 1 stop. Even the beginning of the 4th quarter, the Niners were down one score (24-16) after the FG to start the 4th. As usual, the Niners got Buff into a 3rd and 8 initially, and the defense did its stellar job of giving up an easy 1st down to continue the drive. The clown-car act of the 4th quarter sealed the game. Fumbled kick return, offsides penalty on a punt for a 1st down, on and on. Once again, a game that looked like a stupid performance, but per usual, was determined by a couple stupid plays on a crucial drive.
Forty Niners Forever 
A tale of two halves again. 5 games in a row the Niners have had a decent first half and a disastrous second half. That is coaching, no question. I have to believe O’Neil is about to be fired. His D scheme is ok at the back end but horrible in the front 7. The same players are prepared with scripted plays and designed D first half and there is no counter punch for the other teams adaptions.
Kap, despite the stats, did play better than Gabbert. They were competitive in the first half despite some poor throws, at least the Bills D had to respect the deeper ball.
Yeah at least fire the defensive coordinator. That should be a minimum move. And send Trent packing as well. Jed is too passive in his role of owner of the Niners. Of course he’s not a real man of action owner. The job was handed to him and like a lot of these guys he’s really not up to it.
Baalke likely makes it to the end of the season, like you said, Jed is a little light in the ass for decisive action. I will be amazed if O’Neil makes it past the bye-week. They have to stop the run and simply haven’t. The D holds up fairly well in the first half and just lays down coming out for the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Fire O’Neil and consider a change to a 4-3 since they have better personnel for that scheme after the injuries to Bow and Ray-Ray. Can’t just allow near record run game yardage week after week.
Bills fired Greg Roman, Ravens fired a co-ordinator early last year, Niners need to do the same.
Not a fan of the way Kelly is calling plays from the sideline. Some talking head just mentioned it looks like college with the entire O looking to the sideline after the D has set and it does. What’s the point of the helmet mike? They are still snapping the ball around 14 seconds left even with setting the line twice.
If they are not going to go hurry up they should huddle IMO. I’m sure the players feel a little foolish and it looks like amateur hour.
Yeah, no one is fooled by the read option anymore. All it does is slow down the run plays to the point of the defense stopping everything. We need quick hitting runs that get into the line much quicker. Read and react running and blocking isn’t working. And the defense? You can’t even blame the TOP on it as the first halfs aren’t that bad. By the 4th sure. They were dogging. But they killed us running the ball form the get-go.
You are right. The LBs are weak at this point. Although I’m not crazy about the line either. The tackling was awful yesterday. Road game blues? Fuck I don’t know. They had their chances yet again, and the 3rd quarter offensive blues bit them in the ass again.
The biggest problem I see with the Defensive front 7 is nobody is playing their lanes. Linemen are getting washed out, getting blocked out or just overplaying a misdirection. Young players do this but coaching should be coaching that. We’re 6 games into the season and seeing the same mistakes every week. When the linemen do their job correctly often a LB isn’t filling his responsibility. There doesn’t seem to be good communication between team mates and there definitely is poor execution.
I say we fire the whole lot of them, I doubt even Rathman wants to stay any longer. The Chipski is just who the Philly fans said he was. We need to rebuild and the sooner the better. Don’t know who’s out there qualified enough that wants to work here but I would put an add in whatever paper the GM’s read. We gotta rebuild through the draft and that leaves Baalky in the dust.
How about a name change? The Santa Clara Freaks would be nice. It’s Holloween time and as poor as the Niners are playing may as well change the unis as well. Gold and Black unis to go with a freakishly bad team. Red and Gold colors doesn’t seem right anymore.
I dunno nip, I was thinking more on the line of 1950’s motel pink and green. That way we could look like a bunch of watermelons running around the field.
The Niners led the league in 3 and outs going into the game. The offense had 1 in the first half.
Kappy accounted for 253 yards with 0 turnovers.
I dunno, as bad as he passed in the second half, I thought overall it wasn’t a bad.start. It was OK. It was his first real game in a year, against a good D on the road, with that 10 AM East Coast start we always suck at.
Obviously, he needs to pass better if he’s to remain on the field. But given everything, I’ll accept that performance.
I rewatched the highlights of some of the Bills best runs. It looked like Keystone Kops out there. Screw Kap, we won’t beat anybody with that D (although TB and NO coming up are horrible, #29 and #30, at running the ball, so there’s that).
Flashback: 3rd qtr, Bills 17-13. Niners ball on their own 8, 1st and 10.
Kappy leads nice drive, including a great run, to the Bills 40, 3rd and 1. Two gashes into the line, 0 yds., turnover on downs at the Bills 40.
The very next time Kappy touches the ball, the Niners are 3 scores down, 31-13. The Bills weren’t
done on O, either.
I don’t see how you put this on him, as is all the rage on the WZ. I just don’t.
Yeah, that’s what I alluded to. Play calling plays a big part in this disaster. As does the 2nd half blues.
Berger this may finally be the Draft where we get a Fat Man in the Middle?
We flat out suck balls.
Perhaps it’s O’Neil’s Scheme, who knows?
All I can say at this point is Eric Reid better not get extended.
I’m working through Draft evals already thanks to this charade of Chip Kelly Offense.
Not seeing much in the way of QB options thus far so, we might as well load up on Defense.
If I were turning in a card tomorrow, most likely in the Top 5, I’d be clamoring for DE Myles Garrett at this point.
Fuk Chip and this gimmicky Offense he’s selling. It’s College BS IMO.
Problem is, Jed and the York Empire are already paying mountains of cash to Tomsula to do nothing. Not likely they’ll do the same with Chip.
They’ll throw Trent under the bus somehow and promote Gamble. That’s my guess.
I guess it’s worth the gamble.
Trent better be working the phones with NYJ GM Mike Maccagnan before the Nov 1 Trade Deadline.
Kaep for Mo.
Good place to start IMO.
Contracts are inline, each side needs what the other can provide.
Michigan has a SS who could be in the running for the Heisman this year.
Jabrill Peppers 6’1″/208.
He’s drawing comparisons to Charles Woodson, for obvious reasons.
Good in coverage, also handles Return Duties.
Someone to keep an eye open for as we suffer through what is supposed to be an NFL season.
“2016 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan (6-1, 208, East Orange, NJ): Versatile athlete who returned kicks and punts last season while starting on defense and playing some running back; Moved to linebacker in spring; Named All-Big Ten defensive back; Had 45 tackles; Set New Jersey high school record in 200-meter dash (20.79). – Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation/Lott IMPACT Trophy”
I’ve been hearing a lot about Peppers.
He’s already being projected into the Top 5.
From everything I’m seeing this early on, the Draft appears better suited to Defensive talent at the higher end.
Obviously, this changes across Draft Boards and Team needs.
We have to replace Patrick, and soon, Bowman.
Gotta get stronger up the middle IMO.
Thus far, I can’t recall ever seeing a Defense so porous against the Run.
Embarrassing from every angle.
if you remember when we moved up to pick Garnett I was happy as ever thinking we were moving up for an ILB. I wanted Ragland from Alabama. Good thing we didn’t pick him, he is out for the year with a knee injury.
Yeh Berger, can’t plan on injuries in this game unfortunately.
I’m already onboard for his former position-mate this year.
‘Bama ILB Rueben Foster. 6’1″/236
But, he’s already projected in RD1 himself.
Can’t nail them all.
“At a rock solid 6-1, 240 pounds with broad shoulders, a trim middle and well-built limbs, Foster offers prototypical size for an inside linebacker role. His greatest attribute, however, is his pure explosiveness. Whether it be his outstanding sideline-to-sideline speed or the impact he generates with his collisions, Foster is a heat-seeking missile hell-bent on destruction.
Just as aggressive as he is athletic, Foster attacks would-be blockers in the running game, jolting opponents with a powerful punch that can leave them staggering. When blockers are successful in latching onto him, Foster shows impressive leg drive and balance to anchor, creating a pile runners have to avoid and easy tackle opportunities for teammates.
Foster is a true lights-out hitter, generating bone-rattling hits due to his acceleration and compact frame. He launches himself into ballcarriers, typically wrapping his arms securely, as well, for the flashy but efficient take-down.
Foster shows acute diagnosis skills. He takes sharp angles to the ball, often beating blockers to the action and surprising ballcarriers with his closing speed. Foster keeps his eyes locked onto the quarterback when in coverage, breaking quickly as the pass is released, often initiating contact with the intended receiver just as the ball arrives.”
What do you think of Myles Garret of Texas A&M for an edge rusher? I know nothing of him, but some guys on the WZ are slinging out the hyperbole, “once in a generation pass rusher?”?
*garrett
He’s my #1 commodity right now RT.
He’s well worth the hype thus far.
As projections go, especially this early, he’s rated #1 overall.
I’d be ecstatic to have him on our roster. 6’5″/262
“The single most important attribute for pass rushers in today’s up-tempo NFL is initial burst. Garrett excels in this area, showing the explosive first step to cross the face of would-be blockers on the perimeter and generating remarkable closing speed, which contributed to his knack for forcing the ball out.
Garrett’s rare burst was quantified over the summer by Texas A&M’s use of GPS technology, which according to Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin, tracked Garrett at a remarkable 19-20 miles per hour – times normally associated with wide receivers and defensive backs.
Garrett’s initial speed rush is impressive in its own regard, but is the moves he has created to complement this burst that separates him from most college pass rushers. Unlike most edge rushers of his height, Garrett has a flexible core, which allows him to dip, duck and change directions with remarkable fluidity.
The Aggies take full advantage of Garrett’s change of direction skills by occasionally sliding him inside to defensive tackle or running tackle-end stunts, allowing the athletic rusher to loop around and wreak havoc against overmatched guards and centers. Garrett has developed a quick inside spin and has learned to use his hands well, featuring classic rip and swim moves along with a surprisingly effective bull rush. Garrett also shows impressive awareness, timing his leaps to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage and sniffing out trick plays.
While Garrett’s “strength” lies with his length and athleticism, he is considerably more powerful than his somewhat lanky frame suggests. Garrett comes off the ball low and hard, maintaining his pad level throughout the play. He shows impressive functional strength to extend his arms, lock-out and anchor in the running game, as well as the power to drag down ballcarriers attempting to run past him.”
NJ, is he a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE?
I believe they’re playing a 4-3 at A&M RT.
Either way, a good pass rusher is always a commodity worth having.
I could care less if he excels at pass coverage at this point.
Protect the QB.
Sack the QB.
That’s my mantra.
OK, NJ, thanks for the info!
Anytime RT.
I’m a GM wannabe for a reason.
Love this stuff 😀
It looks on TV that Chip likes to send a couple of blockers through the hole on running plays. That might work in college but in the pros players follow the blockers to the runner. This play would work if it wasn’t run so often. Teams look to be keying this play and tackling our runners by coming down the line too often. I don’t have a coaches film view of the plays so I am going by the limited quick shots of these plays on TV. If any of you have the All-22 let me know you think of my opinion. I would like to know.
The advantage of running from a spread formation is the box should not be too crowded so a downhill quick hitting running game would be more suited for the match-up. I’ve seen Chip running more down hill plays but still, not enough.
I’ve watched some video of Miles Garrett from last year. He is as quick as I remember seeing for somebody of that size. His lateral quickness is off the charts. It is hard to say how physical he is because he just out quicks everyone. I’d say he is probably very physical because when he gets to the ball carrier they go down with ease. He does not get juked out. He also causes a lot of fumbles.
The biggest strategy in football is having a good QB and getting to the QB so even a good one isn’t so good. This guy gets to the QB. I’ll be watching more of this guy. I haven’t seen any QBs this year worth as much as this guy who can neutralize QBs.
He is a 4-3 DE in college, he’ll be an OLB in the pros. He looks like a bigger more physical version of Von Miller. If any of you watch some of his video you will be stunned at how quick he is.
He’s already been Scouted from my perspective Berger.
Been onboard for this kid since last year.
As it looks thus far, we may have a shot at him too.
Assuming Cleveland leaves him alone at what is likely the early favorite for the Top Pick.
Yeah, I’ve been reading that there aren’t any “can’t miss” QBs this year. Any QB we draft would have to be a Russell Wilson/Dak Prescott diamond-in-the-rough type.
No QB with the 1st rounder? Then this guy looks like the right target.
So far we’re doing out part by sucking too RT.
If we continue our current trajectory, we’ll suck well enough to be in the running for his services.
Trade up if we have to. It’s not like we’re doing anything useful with the picks we do have.
Picking a QB just because we might need one doesn’t necessitate spending our Top Pick on one either.
The ‘Best’ QB in pool of piss isn’t saying much IMO.
Gotta take ‘BPA’ material.
Best Player Available.
Find good football players, that fit the style of play you’re shopping for, and let him win the job over someone else on the roster.
We need Pro-Bowlers. I want to get something concrete from this draft, preferably at the positions of most need. But Pro-Bowlers.
I’m sure that’s what EVERY GM is looking for.
Which is why the BPA theory is widely considered the de facto premise by which GMs do their shopping.
Nice to find a diamond in the rough on occasion but, when Drafting high, the talent rankings favor success if done properly.
Baalke has to replace Aldon and Patrick, perhaps Bethea/Reid can be improved upon too.
He’s started a youth movement in the Secondary.
Gotta look at both S positions now.
Tartt might supplant one of them at least.
Quite frankly, Tartt for Reid, Ward for Bethea could already be the plan moving forward?
We’ll see as things continue to circle the drain.
That’s what I meant about trading up for a can’t miss once-in-a-generation player, NJ. I’m sick and tired of Baalke spending 1st round picks on Jimmie Ward types. I hope to God he and his entire scouting organization are long gone come April.
Could happen RT.
I frankly don’t think Baalke has had anything but interference from guys like Paraag and Dr Daddy, trying to save money.
He typically rates his prospects fairly well when it comes to Draft positioning.
When Ownership is constantly recycling HCs, it defeats the roster building plans IMO.
Guys that worked for Harbaugh don’t fit what Chip is doing now.
I’d continue to fortify the Defense personally.
Keep the opponent from scoring and you give your Offense a chance to survive.
We’re not close to what we were on Defense now either.
Too many holes to plug.
I want QB, WR, WR, RB, OLB and ILB for starters.
Oh, and I forgot Reno’s nose.
Another position I’d put on the future ‘shopping list’ is OC.
Kilgore needs someone to push him for the starting job.
A guy to watch is Pat Elfein from Ohio State.
Every time a Coaching Staff is recycled, schemes change with it.
Guys have to learn new assignments etc.
We’re hard to figure out right now, in terms of talent vs scheme.
It looks to me like guys simply aren’t communicating or, they don’t have their assignments properly defined.
We look like a hot mess in terms of stopping the Run.
Granted, you don’t replace Willis and Bowman with Bellore and Wilhoit and expect similar results either.
If guys aren’t assignment sound, this is what we get.
Constantly being blown off the ball.
Yes RT, Berger and I are both strong advocates for the Fat Man in the Middle.
Can’t understand why we haven’t shopped for one, as the 3-4 is predicated on having that ‘Plugger’ in the middle to stack things up.
Part of what seems to be happening now is Buckner is tall as well as inexperienced.
He’s getting washed out too easily.
I’ll call it growing pains for now.
We still need to upgrade at the Point.
Dorsey is up there in terms of age, and, he’s built more like a NT than Dial and TJ-E.
Ian is a good option but, he’s battling injuries already.
Need to get younger and stronger inside.
Good Pluggers tend to be ‘squatty’ and strong, hard to move.
Have to occupy a double team and clog it up in a 3-4.
Which is why I’ve been hoping for a deal with the NYJ to get Mo off their hands.
He’s a little taller but he’s versatile enough to move inside or out.
See if that happens soon enough as the Trade Deadline is November 1.
My early favorite for the ‘Plugger’ is Derrick Nnadi from FSU.
6’1″/312 and, he’s as strong as a bear.
Absolutely destroys the running game.
Read recently that he hoists 525Lbs of iron on the bench, squats over 600Lbs.
See where he ends up in the Rankings as the season moves forward.
Hoping right now that he makes into Rds 2 or 3.
Fitzpatrick got another Pick added to his abysmal record in AZ tonight too.
Please Trent. Call Maccagnan in NY and see whether Kaep can kneel on their sideline before games.
We’ll gladly take Mo off their hands in exchange.
“The Jets will be forced to determine if they can still run Fitzpatrick out at quarterback or if they need to make a change to Smith, Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty or anyone else they can find that could be more productive than Fitzpatrick has been through the first six weeks of the season.”
11 Picks for Fitz thus far.
Impressive string he’s working on there.
WOOF!