The Betting Window Is Open
Jan 2, 2013 Mindless Drivel
Belated New Year’s greetings, Outsiders! I will reserve judgment for a few weeks as to whether it is a happy occasion or not.
It’s always a bit sad to see the football season come to an end. At least nowadays. It wasn’t sad at all from 2003 – 2010. Please leave the building was the feeling in those years.
We’re two wins away from the Super Bowl and one loss away from the party’s over. It’ll soon be time to figure out something else to do with my Sundays. I’m sure Skeebette will have a few pithy suggestions, but they won’t be near as fun as watching football.
Except for the Seattle vs Washington contest, none of the other games this weekend has much appeal, other than seeing the look on players faces as they realize the season’s over for them. And woe unto him who gets caught laughing on the sideline while his team is getting routed! He shalt be castigated hither and yon by outraged fans and media heads in their righteous indignation. Perhaps we’ll get a new “face” for our lasting amusement. I’ll be watching Matt Schaub closely as he makes his playoff debut to see if he has as interesting a choker’s face as Tony “I’m The Best Gagger” Romo.
None of the AFC teams playing have anything but the remotest chance at getting past Denver or New England. That will be an epic battle for the conference championship, but until then the other teams are just ho-hum filler on the schedule.
The NFC is a little better. And certainly more wide open. I don’t see Minnesota reaching the Super Bowl, but any of the other five teams could go that far and not surprise me. The NFC is clearly the better and more competitive conference, but it may not have the best two teams.
I’d feel a lot better about the 49ers’ chances if it weren’t for Justin Smith’s bum elbow. Maybe they’ll gut out a win in the Divisional game and he can put in a Willis Reed quarter at the Championship game that will inspire some lights out performance from the rest of the team. Otherwise, they better hope they don’t draw a team that can run the ball.
On the fun side, WordPress sent me a report on this blog on New Year’s Day. You can view it here: http://jetpack.me/annual-report/14052945/2012/
Tags: Justin Smith, Matt Schaub, San Francisco 49ers, Tony Romo, Willis Reed
January 2nd, 2013 at 6:34 am
The report shows I spend too much time here.
January 2nd, 2013 at 7:19 am
Blogs give us a place to advert that we did not have 10 years ago.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:24 am
In 2 games against the Pack Peterson has over 400 yards rushing. The Packers can’t seem to stop him. If AP comes close to 200 yds and Ponder doesn’t make stupid throws Packers might be in for a surprise.
That could mean the Niners would face Seahags or Skins on a short week for the wild card winner.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:36 am
what do they call Tony Romo is Spanish?……………………………………Mark SanchezS
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:28 am
The weather site says our low today is 17 but the current temp is 12? My thermometer said 10 earlier and now says 16. Whatever.
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:47 am
yahoo says it’s 15
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:35 am
Berger made 2,513 posts in 2012. 2,512 were the direct result of alcohol. Berger, buckle up your liver. I’m expecting 3,000 from you in ’13.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:53 am
Del- Nobody drinks more than you my friend. You would have more posts than that if you weren’t laying on the floor half the time.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:56 am
Ive . . . fallen, and . . . I can’t reach . . . the keyboard . . .
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:58 am
the 9ERS have signed kicker Billy Cundiff and released Bahktiari. they are also keeping Ackers. WHY. they should have released Ackerd at half time sundat
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Cundiff has been cut/released 9 times in 10 seasons . . . He sucks worse than Akers.
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Not sure how that’s a competition. Might as well get Joe Nedney and his calcicied mass back on the playing field.
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Harbaugh is just trying to scare Akers “straight.”
January 2nd, 2013 at 3:08 pm
January 2nd, 2013 at 3:47 pm
awh man ! i didn’t make the top 5
January 2nd, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Wow Skeebs,
I’ve been accused of talking too much about the 9ers over the years but, now I’ve made the Top 5.
Not sure what that says about my life however?
At any rate, thanks for the venue.
I do enjoy having your forum available.
Could there really be a marketing plan waiting to be linked to alcohol consumption and Blog posting activity?
I smell a business opportunity.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Anyone notice that the 9ers gave permission to TGamble to interview with only AFC Teams?
I’m also smelling a hometown discount for an Alex trade if Gamble lands on a QB needy Team.
The plot thickens….
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Gotta figure the NYJ would be #1 with a bullet right about now.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Alex to the Big Apple for a 2 or, DT MWilkerson.
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:13 pm
NJ49ER
‘Could there really be a marketing plan waiting to be linked to alcohol consumption and Blog posting activity?’
LOL
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Well Rob, the consensus opinion, along with the 2012 tally, seem to suggest blogging under the influence got Berger the Top Spot?
January 2nd, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Not to mention, Berger is the Top Beer Salesman here as well.
Seems as though he’s already gotten the jump on the business plan.
Any chance Sam Adams has been providing him with commission based incentives?
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Any chance there’s a Micro Brew coming from Reno?
‘Ol Blog-wiser?
Wild Stallion Insider Ale?
Uber Keyboarder Sage Brush IPA?
Keystroker Red and Gold Lager?
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:32 pm
NJ- I only drink on Fridays and Saturdays, and that is on only on half of those. Dennis is just trying make himself feel better about his own problem. Looks like it worked. Thing is, when I do drink I generally prefer the good stuff and massive quantities!
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:35 pm
Do you ever try any of the beers I recommend?
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:51 pm
LOL, I put away my share too Berger.
Just happens that I blog from a place I don’t drink at.
I’m a lightweight when it comes to beer experimentation.
I stick to the Domestic Light Beers mostly.
Have been known to dabble with the occassional Dark beers from time to time.
I don’t deviate much.
Yuengling or Molson when I drink Ale
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:56 pm
If the 49ers make the SB you can bet I’ll be drinking on that Sunday and not working on Monday!
January 2nd, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Yuengling Black and Tan is probably as crazy as I’ve gotten.
Have a buddy who drops a Smithwicks on me from time to time also.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:03 pm
We just need to get there.
I think the trick is being healthy right now.
Week off is huge.
We’ll likely see GB next week.
No running game to speak of so, it might do us some good.
If it comes to that, can we afford Justin an extra week to rest?
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Here is a little D-line talk from former Niner DT Dennis Brown:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/matt-maiocco/how-will-49ers-fill-justin-smiths-void
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Yeh I listened to that earlier.
We need to get Vernon and Randy into the mix more as well.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Just points to the need for that Fat Man in the Middle you and I have been longing for.
This Draft Class has several good looking options, as we’ve discussed already.
As DBrown said, RJF isn’t near as strong as Justin.
He gets blown off the point too easily.
I’m looking forward to seeing more from Jesse Williams and Kawann Short.
Both guys are said to be pretty strong.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:29 pm
I had a few Great Basin (Reno microbrew) Icky IPAs when I was at Incline Village last weekend. Good stuff.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:29 pm
RJF holds the point well on a single. He gets pushed back a bit on double teams, but if he is being double teamed he is already doing his job. You don’t double a DE unless you have to. Give RJF some credit for that. We got too used to Justin Smith taking on double teams like no other DE except Ngata.
I soured on Jenkins from Georgia after watching his last two games.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:30 pm
I’m also curious to see DT Brandon Williams in the Sr Bowl.
Small school kid with some impressive numbers.
6’2″ 325+
Good depth from this position.
Might afford us the opportunity to wait, while maybe spending the 1st pick at another position?
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Icky IPA is also 6.8% ABV!
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:32 pm
Same here on Jenkins Berger.
He also got scratched the other day from the Bowl game for Academic Issues.
Lack of initiative flag to me.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:33 pm
As much as I want a NT with the first pick, I only want that if the player is worthy. I would not want to reach for a NT if a great corner is on the board.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:35 pm
I’m already wondering whether Baalke has had any reservations about AJ at the 1 pick this year?
I watched the Stanford TE Ertz the other day.
Pretty impressive.
Very Gronk-like.
Big target, good hands, moves well.
He too could land in our lap late Rd 1.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Jenkins reminds me of Kentwan Balmer.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:36 pm
I’m thinking CB/S with Pick 2 or 3 right now.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:37 pm
It would not bother me if we took Ertz with the 1st or 2nd pick.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:38 pm
I want that kicker from Fla St too. I’m targeting him in the 3rd round.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:42 pm
We’re holding 2 3′s.
Good spot for a DB and maybe an OLB?
We’re sitting pretty in terms of Draft ammo.
No clue where Baalke has his sights set relative to position of highest need.
He really surprised me with the AJ pick this year.
Thought for sure Doug Martin would be the target but….can’t be too disappointed with LMJ in Rd 2.
I’m still very high on WR Tavon Austin from WVU.
Little dude that makes life miserable underneath.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Austin is looking like a late 1 right now too.
We seem to favor speed so why not?
A WR in Rd 3 could also be a possibility.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:48 pm
I think Jenkins will be a factor next year.
I off to sleep, good night. Make more posts, I’ll read them in the morn. Dennis requested I used the WOTD again. I’m efforting.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:51 pm
Not to mention, Austin is a pretty polished P/KR weapon too.
Wouldn’t mind Tavon at all.
Fast and versatile.
GINN=GONE for me.
January 2nd, 2013 at 10:51 pm
Later Berger.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Guys I’d consider Trading up for right now in Rd 1.
DT John Hankins
DT Sheldon Richardson
DE Alex Okafor
CB Xavier Rhodes
We could get a shot at
DE Sam Montgomery from LSU late 1 too.
He’s pretty impressive.
At this point, I could see a heavy dose of youth going to the Defensive side of the ball for us in April.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:37 pm
CB/S David Amerson declared from NC State, as did CB Logan Ryan from Rutgers.
Both guys are versatile and tall.
Good group to watch as well.
I’m also going to keep an eye open for OLB Brandon Jenkins from FSU.
He’s growing on me.
OLB Chase Thomas from Stanford didn’t exactly jump off the screen for me the other day.
January 3rd, 2013 at 6:46 am
If the Packers-Vikings game goes violescent we will be playing the winner of the Seahawks-Redskins contest.
January 3rd, 2013 at 6:47 am
Oops, the Vikings are purple, not violet, but you get the idea.
January 3rd, 2013 at 6:57 am
8 degrees in Reno this morning.
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:41 am
Seven coaches bit the dust on Black Monday and 3 of them seem to be quite popular and getting multiple interviews and almost certain to land another job as head coaches despite failures with previous team. Reid, Whisenhunt and Lovie Smith are very popular with multiple teams interested.
This leads me to believe there still exists an old boys network
that encourages recycling of failed coaches which rarely work out in the long term as it’s tough to duplicate past successes.
Maybe the Jest will bring back Rich Kotite.
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:44 am
The San Diego Union was reporting that their new GM would likely be Jimmy Raye III.
Relax! Before you burst a blood vessel this happens to be THAT Jimmy Raye’s son who’s been in the Charger front office for years and is getting promoted.
January 3rd, 2013 at 1:14 pm
-27° on the river this am. Have to break out a long sleeve shirt if this keeps up.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Justin Smith dressed for practice and wearing an arm brace. Sounds promising.
January 3rd, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Good news about Justin Smith
practicing again.
Matt Barrows reminds us what Justin said in Training Camp
“”I figure I got three more good years in me, four more good years,” Smith said at the time. “I don’t want to be the guy that becomes the third-down guy, plays 17 (snaps), I don’t want to do that. I’m figuring, let’s go.
“Time is of the essence for me, personally,” Smith continued. “Not everyone else. We have a young defense. But I think everyone feels the urgency ,and we’ve got the guys right now. Let’s not wait.”
Sounds like a good plan to me.
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:25 pm
HMMMM
i wonder if the NT prospect from alabama would make a good 2nd rd. pick ?
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:27 pm
IMHO our top three needs to fill this offseason should be
D-LINE , CB AND WR !
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:48 pm
NJ49ER
you’re right , imo xavier rhodes would make a good 1st rd. pick for us !
i’d be happy with rhodes in rd. one and think throwing in one of our extra picks to get him would would be a good move too !
January 3rd, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Rob
I see you’re not drinking GATORade today.
January 3rd, 2013 at 5:22 pm
BULLIT
for the gators , the future looks bright !
WANT SOMETHING BETTER ?
look no further than our own SF 49ERS BABAAAYY !!!
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Rob, WTF happened to your Florida Gators? I don’t think even Tebow could have saved ‘em last night. Fugly.
Andy Reid to KC? I think he looked at the AFC West and thought he has a better chance turning it around in that much weaker division than the NFC West. Nothing but Peyton Manning and the Broncos to worry about there. Every team sans Arizona is on the rise in our division. Tough task for that new Cardinal HC. Todd Haley?
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:28 pm
Reid didn’t want to inherit kevin kolb! I think AZ hires Horton.
January 3rd, 2013 at 9:44 pm
The NFC West is not so weak any more. SF and Seattle are playoff teams, and the Rams are close to a .500 team. In the AFC you get the Raiders twice a year…. the rebuilding Chargers, who may need to cut bait on their QB…. and Denver, where Manning had a great year but can only expect a couple more.
January 3rd, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Long but good, except if you are Isaac Sopoaga, interesting stats from Pro Football Focus via Matt Maiocco:
Middle linebacker Patrick Willis was the only 49ers player chosen to Pro Football Focus’ All-Pro team. Four other players received second-team mention.
“Willis has used this year to reinforce his claim to being the greatest linebacker currently in the game,” PFF wrote about Willis’ season.
Those chosen to the second team were: left tackle Joe Staley, left guard Mike Iupati, right guard Alex Boone and “edge defender” Aldon Smith.
PFF grades every player on every play at every position. They were nice enough to send along some of their findings on the 49ers’ recently completed regular season:
–Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick both attempted 218 pass attempts, both falling short of qualifying for any NFL passing categories by six attempts. Smith would have led the NFL in completion percentage (70.2 percent), and Kaepernick would have led the NFL in average per attempt (8.33 yards).
–PFF compiles its own quarterback accuracy percentages, consisting of completions plus drops against attempts minus throwaways, spikes, batted balls and hit-as-throwing passes. Smith ranked first in the NFL at 81.3 percent, while Kaepernick was seventh at 76 percent.
–Smith had 12 passes dropped by intended targets, while 19 of Kaepernick’s passes were dropped.
–Smith attempted deep passes (defined as throws that traveled 20 or more yards in the air) just 8.3 percent of the time (33rd in the league), while deep throws accounted for 15.1 percent of Kaepernick’s total attempts. Smith completed 50 percent (9 of 18) of his deep passes, tied for fifth in the NFL, for 293 yards with three TDs and one interception. Kaepernick completed 57.6 percent (19 for 33), first in the NFL, for 595 yards with five TDs and one interception.
–Smith was sacked 33.3 percent of the time when pressured (worst in the NFL), while Kaepernick was sacked just 17.6 percent when pressured (tied for 15th in the league). When blitzed, Smith completed 70.3 percent of his passes with a 126.8 passer rating. Kaepernick completed 59 percent of his throws when blitzed for an 88.7 rating.
–Amount of time to attempt a pass only: Smith 2.53 seconds (28th highest in league), Kaepernick 2.88 seconds (second highest).
–The quarterbacks had a 119.5 rating when targeting wide receiver Michael Crabtree, tied for fourth-highest among NFL wideouts with 100-plus targets.
–Crabtree’s 2.56 yards per pass route was third among WRs with 100-plus targets, and better than Calvin Johnson’s 2.55 yards. Crabtree’s 3.74 yards per route run in the slot was best by far of any other wide receiver. And his 543 yards after the catch was fourth among all WRs.
–Mario Manningham had 42 receptions with only one drop.
–Delanie Walker’s drop rate of 30 percent (21 catches, nine drops) was worst of any running back, wide receiver or tight end who had 30 or more targets. But Walker did have the second-best run blocking grade for any tight end.
–On run plays between Staley and Iupati, the 49ers averaged 6.1 yards an attempt (268 yards on 44 carries).
–Staley finished as PFF’s highest rated tackle, based greatly on his run-blocking grade, which was significantly better than any other tackle in the NFL.
–Right tackle Anthony Davis finished second behind Staley in run-blocking among all NFL tackles. And, overall, he was the third-rated right tackle in the league.
–Defensive tackle Justin Smith graded as the fifth-best 3-4 lineman, and he rated second in run-stop percentage behind Houston’s J.J. Watt.
–Isaac Sopopaga ranked 82nd out of 85 defensive tackle/nose tackles.
–Ahmad Brooks ranked fifth among 3-4 outside linebackers.
–Willis was the top-rated inside linebacker. He was second against the run, and graded out as the best inside linebacker in pass coverage.
–Tarell Brown led the tackling efficiency stats at cornerback. He missed only one tackle all season.
–Chris Culliver allowed a reception every 13.7 snaps in coverage, fifth-best among all cornerbacks.
–Of the 21 corners who had 160 or more snaps in coverage in the slot, Carlos Rogers ranked fourth allowing a reception every 11.2 slot coverage snaps. He ranked fifth allowing 0.90 yards per snap in slot coverage.
January 3rd, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Akers reveals he has been hurt
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/04/david-akers-had-double-sports-hernia-surgery-over-offseason/
Maybe afraid of losing his job he tried to play through the injury seeing what happened at the QB position.
January 4th, 2013 at 5:58 am
New post is up.