The 49ers have given the Eagles their only defeat this year, as well as the Cowboys their sole blemish. If this Sunday night’s opponent, the Broncos, hadn’t already lost a game, I’d feel confident the Niners would whip them. But they have, and I don’t.
The team will be starting three backup linebackers in this game, which might not be relevant to Austin Davis of the recently deposed Rams, but it will surely not go unnoticed by Peyton Manning. In an additional tilt to the game, the evil Eastern schedule makers have our lads playing back to back road games on a short week.
Also, it’s mid-October and Manning’s arm has not yet shrunk down to a wounded noodle like it will be in December and January. Which means he would still be competitive in the punt-pass-and-kick contest if it were held during half time this week. It also means the Broncos are going to put up some serious yardage and point totals.
Denver also has the number one ranked NFL team by yardage allowed, which would be scary if not for the fact that two of the teams in the top ten of this particular stat are the Rams and the Raiders, who’ve won ONE game between them. OTOH, Denver also has a bit better offense than the aforementioned losers.
Further complicating things, the Broncos have only played five games and others (like the 49ers) have played six, which makes the whole paragraph above pretty much meaningless without employing some division, multiplication, and perhaps even fractions — all of which are above my pay grade. Sorry for the wasted eyeball strain, folks.
Regardless, we’re looking at a very balanced Broncos team. Good defense, good offense. The same could be said of the 49ers. The difference between the two can be explained by the weather. The Broncos’ offense is like a hurricane — steady, straight, relentless, awesome. The Niners’ offense is like a tornado — terrifying yet whimsical. They can turn you into sawdust, or whiff entirely.
There’s another difference, also. When the Broncos enter the Red Zone, they rarely end up kicking field goals.
So, once again, it’s most likely going to be up to the 49ers’ defense to play a superb, almost flawless game if we want to come away victorious in Denver. Which brings us back to the original point. We’ve got Dan Skuta, Chris Borland, and Michael Wilhoite playing linebacker and not Aldon Smith, Navorro Bowman, and Patrick Willis. This is one game where that is going to matter quite a bit.
And if the Niner defense somehow pulls this one out of their hat, I’m giving a game ball to DC Vic Fangio and casting my vote for him as Coach of the Year.
I’d be surprised if the 49ers win.
We do it the way Nolan did it in 2009. 6 DBs and you pick and choose different blitzers among the cover guys. Dare Denver to run and jam at the line to (try and) take away the quick passes.
Nolan/Manusky ‘held’ Manning to 350 yards (but 0 TDs and a pick) in the 18-14 loss. He was hassled all game and didn’t play well. Indy’s only TD came on an RB option pass.
Or hey, we lose by 24. Losing in Denver with a banged-up team isn’t the end of the world.
I think everybody knows I am not a fan of Mike Nolan as a head coach but I do remember he was very good at defensive backfield schemes. IMO, the key to this game will be getting a pass rush with 4 players. Our offense can score if we stay away from the Singletary tendencies in the clutch. OTOH, our defense being banged up is a huge concern.
Yeah, he went big sub that whole game. And he blitzed w/different DBs and LBs all game. One of his better defensive efforts.
“Harbaugh says Iupati is out for Sunday’s game.”
Nolan was gone by that game in Indy. It was Singletary/Raye but still Manusky’s D.
Funny, too, is that we jumped ahead quickly 7-0 on a 65 yard Frank Gore TD run out of one of those 21 personnel ‘loser’ formations and Gore running up the middle into a stacked box.
It was also the return of the coach killer game.
From Glazer: “The JETS have just agreed with Seattle to a trade sending WR Percy Harvin to NY for conditional pick.”
2009? Ahhhhh yeah. It was Sing/Manusky. Thanks.
Sure, the 64 yard run was nice, but those 12 other attempts got us 26 yards. Woo hoo.
That’s always been the problem with running against a stacked front. You rarely block it to the point of getting Gore (or whoever) into the secondary.
In the “Are you effing serious?” category, the Seattle Seahawks traded Percy Harvin to the New York Jets for a conditional pick.
WTF???? Did he bang the owner’s wife?
2nd to 4th round at best. Unreal.
Yesss
Seattle trades harvin away hahahahaha. Hope they can get lots of receptions out of a future pick lol
I guess carroll loves the underdog role hahhahaha
Does anybody here know which team is the best in the NFL
I did that quote from memory = ‘run against Denver’ but relistening to it they still say ‘lean on running game’, dominate LOS, long drives, keep it away from PM. Not that Denver has mediocre run D. Podcast was talking about Broncos running game which is ranked 20th or so. That’s a mediocre run game. Their discussion was about Niners D.
So sounds like they think Niners will use more the Jets approach of extra DBs and dare Denver to run rather than going blitz crazy ala AZ.
Hey I make mistakes = one per season max but still it happens. No denying it. I know you experts will set me straight.
Run or pass against Bronks? If pass use middle of field w/ bunch formations to get LB to bite, crossing plays underneath. Lots of S Johnson. Running early from Niners, short throws, similar approach to how 9ers play Seattle.
Iupati being out is going to hurt our run game however. We win it will be an upset
“Does anybody here know which team is the best in the NFL?”
I know one team which is not.
And Percy Harvin was very instrumental on Super Bowl Sunday and helped Seattle defeat Denver last year. Everything else is immaterial. It’s like the Giants and Barry Zito. Worst FA signing in the history of baseball. BUT, w/o Zito, the Giants don’t win the WS a few years back.
Knowing ahead of time if $126M would guarantee your team a championship? You would make the deal every time. When’s the last time our Niners won a championship? That’s what I thought. Maybe we should sign Percy Harvin and Barry Zito. Beats the hell out of drafting Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Eric Reid, Colin Kaepernick and everyone else.
They’re produced zero championships. Squadoosh.
Denny
Harvin had 50 yds of total offense. His 30 yd jet sweep led to a FG. His 87 yds KO return just built on their 22-0 lead.
Saying Harvin was instrumental is a stretch, even for you.
Seahags would’ve won the Super Bowl without Harvin quite easily.
If you had been paying attention it was the Seahag defense that dominated and was the main reason they romped.
Harvin had a $12 mil signing bonus and 1$14 mil guaranteed.
Even with the trade the Seahags have to take some hits on their cap space as they prepare to deal with Russell Wilson.
Seahags traded a first, third, fourth and seventh round pick for Harvin.
The Seattle Post is claiming that the Seahag FO is admitting they made a mistake in acquiring Harvin. Something internal triggered the trade.
I never considered Harvin much of a factor because he was never healthy.
Denny was screaming when the trade was made but the Niner FO looks like they knew not to bite especially due to his massive salary.
Maiocco is reporting Harvin will cost the Seahags $7.2 mil in cap room in 2015.
Heard it was the “essential Harvin’s” anger management issues that brought on the trade to Jets. Maybe him and Balwin got into a pissing contest royale. Hate to see Seattle f*ck up like that…glad it wasn’t us
Berger
The TD pass to Boldin was a remarkable throw by Kap but what you don’t seem to realize is the primary receiver was Staley on a tackle eligible that was blown up because the Seahags held Staley and it was called a penalty which they declined.
Here is the All 22 fil breakdown and analysis.
TD #3 to Carbtree was vintage WCO Walsh. It was “Dino” post-corner-post an old staple from the old glory days.
http://insidethefilmroom.com/22-film-breakdown-49ers-passing-offense-comes-alive/3/
The only pertinent facts of the Percy trade are as follows: Percy’s screwing my fantasy team once again. Bad enough he had three TDs called back the other week. Now he gets traded to a team who played on Thursday night and will be utterly useless this Sunday. Not to mention Harvin goes from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith. Anyone wanna make a trade?
Hey. I just received my Niner football cards in the mail today that I won on Twitter last week. A guy posts blurred pics of a 49er player, and you’re supposed to try and guess who it is.
I recognized Fred Dean right off the bat. You couldn’t make out any jersey number or facial recognition. The guy before me even guessed it was a white guy — Tom Rathman. Wrong.
What gave it away was that his right arm was taped up from his hand all the way to his elbow. Dean used to use that arm as a weapon and head slap the O-linemen. Back in those days you could still hit people. Remember that?
Not all the cards are winners. I got a Shayne Skov, Braylon Edwards, Cam Johnson and a Ronald Johnson rookie card. But I got a couple of Joe’s and a Jerry from 1990. Not too shabby.
I think I’ll give a couple away as stocking stuffers come Christmas. Especially the Crabtree and Vernon Davis cards. I wouldn’t feel right keeping those. Funny thing is when I first saw the VD card it slipped out of my hands and dropped to the floor.
The disease that keeps on giving.
I guess if you dim the lights and squint real hard it kind of looks like Tom Rathman. http://www.profootballhof.com/assets/Dean_Bio.jpg
Too esrly to tell, ROB!! Philly and Dallas are 6 and 3 respectively, and the Niners have beaten them both. SD? Denver? AZ? Not quite sold on any of them.
days (and the SF Giants are living proof of this) it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We are dinged up pretty good, so I don’t see us winning this Denver game but the bye comes at a pretty good time for the Niners. Heal up and finish strong.
Hate to say Dallas is the best team, but ehhh. Call ’em that now and watch them fold in December/January.
6 and 3 in those power ranking deals. I don’t see SD being all that . . .
Many of us commented, better Seattle got Harvin than us.
Bullit- If that was supposed to be a pass to Staley I think the play call is even more boneheaded than I thought. Of course if it works the coach is a genius! LOL! Also, you said Seahags, I think you meant Rams.
Yeah the coaching/play calls ‘Always’ look better when the players execute their assignments. In the case of the attempted pass to Staley, Roman woulda been a genius except Robert Quinn tackled Staley to the ground for a PI penalty as the only way to prevent an embarrassing completion. Roman = genius except for Quinn who’s pretty good
What kind of spread do you see in this game Berger?
Nice post Bullit. Great breakdown on the Niner passing game
Rob- Best team right now has to be the Broncos my guess (and a few others)
Phil- I don’t know. If I had to guess I would say we lose by about 10. If we get a pass rush with 4 I think we can win by about 10.
I haven’t paid any attention to Denver’s defense so I’m not sure how to attack it. They do have a good pass rush. I think if an offense is balanced and solid we don’t need to do anything different. Problem is our offense is not balanced and solid. We show lot’s of signs of being that but every time we get a rhythm going RoBaugh calls a trick play that when unsuccessful destroys any rhythm that was barely started.
Our coaches like to be one dimensional to set some kind of play that they think will fool the opponent. I’m talking about the Singletary Sardine Can offense and 5 wide as one being dimensional. Bot are extremes. The problem with that is while being one dimensional to set up something big it makes it easier to defend the first part of the drawn out tactic. Then if the big play doesn’t work the entire set of downs has been wasted and worse yet, can give the other team and especially the fans a boost of momentum.
Something tells me to just run our new base offense of three wide and see if we can establish a good running game. No trick plays, just a good solid array of plays from what we know and practice. The acronym is KISS, keep it simple Sam. And Sam would be Sourdough Sam!
On the Crabtree TD I’m not so sure it was zero cover. It looked to me the safety bit on something. If he did that was just a blown coverage by the center fielder. If he did what he did by design it was zero coverage. The pre snap read was not zero coverage. That made it a great read by Kap because he had to wait for the safety to come up to know that route would be open and he was under some good pressure. And Crabs left that defender looking lost. Great route.
Sitting here watching nick montana play for tulane vs. UCF.
Rob, perhaps you should consider rooting for UCF. Because your Gators stink on ice.
I have come up with a new name. The Singletary Sardine Can NoPhillIt offense! Parsed is the Singletary, NoFear, Phil, Bullit offense.
I am expecting those NoPhilIt’s to say I called them names because I compared them to Mike Singletary.
Yeah back in the bad old days it WAS our offense but now it’s only 20% when we run the 21 or 22 formations. Hey man far be it for me to throw off the fame of the NoPhillit scheme but in all honesty it’s not a good enough description of what we’re doing on the field. I demand a new name!
I nominate Mad NoPhilIt because we’re running 4-5 wide now, a new Robaugh feature. In honor of my favorite league OC, Mike Martz.
Really!? the guy who can’t see cover 0 or just doesn’t know what it is when he sees it, and thinks 3-4 D-linemen 3-gap, is going to name a winning offense with a name he considers derogatory and thinks he’s insulting folks who disagree with whatever lame-ass opinion he’s spouting at the moment? Better get Dennis back in here to make some intelligent comments on your behalf.
As I wrote recently somewhere else, the Singletary/Raye offense scored two TDs to Manning and the Colts three FGs in the first half of our 2009 contest. One a 65 yard touchdown run from Gore up the middle through a stacked box and the other an Alex Smith TD pass to VD. Is this the offense you’re trying to use as an insult? I’m thinking you don’t have a clue, you just like to hear yourself cluck.
Big spot for our depleted Defense tonight.
Frank and Carlos time.
Ball control and play keep away.
Let Manning get his record, (or not) just steal the Win from him.
Running out of the spread w/ 3-5 WRs? PFF sez:
Denver’s run defense has been exceptionally strong while in their 4-3 base package, where they are holding opposing ball carriers to a pedestrian 2.0 yards per carry. As you might imagine, when the Broncos line up in nickel or dime that number goes up, but in Denver’s case the average more than doubles to 4.1 yards per attempt.
The 49ers have opened up their offense this season, after using 3+ WR personnel only 22.0% of the time in 2013, that number has jumped to 46.3% so far this year. If they can get the Broncos with extra defensive backs on the field, they could very well look to run. San Francisco has shown their willingness to run out of 11 personnel this season, including in the fourth quarter of their season-opening victory over the Cowboys. The 49ers ran out a portion of the clock with a six-play drive which consisted entirely of runs out of 11 personnel for 40 yards.
Berger will be in heaven
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/10/18/49ers-spreading-out-the-offense-for-the-run/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=49ers-spreading-out-the-offense-for-the-run
NoFear, you left out the other 12 runs for 26 yards in that game. It certainly falls into the all-or-nothing aspect of banging your head against a brick wall. The fact that we srpung one early didn’t change the ineffectiveness of that play later in the game.
TO me, the takeaway from that game was the 2 minute drill that netted us a quick TD before half. Naturally, we never went back to the no-huddle the rest of the game, and ended up losing.
I mean, why go back to something that was working? Make the other team figure out how to stop what you’ve found success with. This team has that problem occasionally
Funny thing is that Seattle actually called Denver and asked for Julius Thomas in return for Percy Harvin. Hey. It doesn’t hurt to try. That’s why I keep sending out e-mails to the Victoria’s Secret models and asking them out.
It’s not stalking. It’s only admiration.
Reason Harvin was traded was if he didn’t get involved early he would pull himself out the game. He did it repeatedly with the pouting and even Petey couldn’t deal with it.
Harvin is talented but cannot run a route tree. Most passes to him are at the line of scrimmage and he is not the vertical downfield threat most think someone with his talent should be.
He is catch and run and so far that has not translated into results that warrant his big contract.
The reason Harvin was traded was he was getting into fist fights with other players. He got into a fight with Golden Tate before the Super Bowl, and got into a fight with Doug Baldwin back in August.
The Jets are pretty stupid for taking this guy on, but there’s no accounting for smarts over there. They already have a bad/weird QB situation going on, and he’s not the guy you want to be the cure. He’s napalm for the fire. Good luck with that, J-E-T-S.
Pouting isn’t the issue with Harvon. Being a clubhouse cancer is.
Hey, Dennis, you wanted this guy didn’t ya?
Your trusted source Jay Glazer just said on the FOX Pregame Show was it was the pouting and taking himself out of game, especially last week against the Cowgurls.
But Chuck seems to know everything and will bully you if your view doesn’t line up with his.
Bullit, just kidding with you guys for defending the Singletary offense. I love your demand for a new name:)
WTF has happened to Kirk Cousins? He’s become a turnover machine. They might actually have to play RG Knee again. Not that that’s going to help ’em any.
But you gotta love their nickname. Sorry this joke is a week late.
“Go Redskins!” —Christopher Columbus, 1492
Seahags are losing 14-3.
Will the Rams choke again?
Seahawks are down 14-3 to Rams just like the Niners were last Monday night. Let’s see if they can score 24 unanswered points like our lads did.
Now it’s 21-3.
Rams were up on Cowgurlz 21-0 and choked.
Let’s see what happens.
RG Knee will have to comeback and replace Colt McCoy now. Kirk Cousin has been benched in his favor.
First effing pass goes for a 70 yd TD to Pierre Garcon.
Who I put on my FF bench at the last minute. I give up.
Just like Atlanta did with the deal for Julio Jones, the ‘Skins did with the deal for RG III.
Draft Picks are the life blood of an NFL roster.
Give away more Picks than you receive and sooner or later, the youth infusion Blues set in.
Waaah! And you post endlessly about shit that happened 4 years ago.
Why are such a little whiner? Jerry Rice pouted. As did Michael Irvin, Chris Carter, Keyshawn Johnson, and countless other WRs. Diva WRs are part of the game. If whiners were traded, there’d be 20 trades a week.
Getting in fights with your teammates is a bit different, eh?
Wow. Carroll;s fuming there ain;t no review.
What a crock. Love it. But that a terrible call.
The ref on the field doesn’t think that needs to be reviewed?
NFL Red zone is blowing up right now. Washington wins on a last second FG, Buffalo’s at the 1 with 5 seconds left down by 6, and Detroit just scores to take the lead over NO.
Sammy Watkins for the win! Loved that kid.
Let’s go Raiders.
My 3rd favorite team today.
Good one from Sando: “At this rate, Fisher is going to emerge from the postgame handshake with Carroll’s wallet and keys.”
AZ looks to be handling Raiders no problem. Rams beat Seattle so anything is possible but just don’t see AZ losing
Lol Sando comment Skeebs
Phil think Black Hole.
Think it, feel it, believe it.
Bay Area Mojo must be so.
Yep Oak scored a few right after I posted NJ…so maybe
Anybody know which is the best team in football?
I’ll give you a hint … it sure as fukk isn’t seattle!!!
Maiocco is reporting Brock and Cox will start at CB and Anthony Davis starts at RT.
Looks like Smitty outdueled Rivers today.
Andy Reid continues his Post-Bye Week Magic Skeebs.
We need some Mile High Tote the Rock, Own the Clock Magic tonight.
“Smitty” didn’t today, never has, and never will “outduel” anyone. The KC D held SD to just 250 yads, forced a turnover and limited the Chargers to only 30% on 3rd dn conversion which led to a nearly 2 to 1 adv in time of possession.
Checkdown Charlie just managed another game.
He’ll never win you a Super Bowl. Alex Smith is worthless.
Dennis, I love the way the foam boils off your lips every time Smitty wins another one.
I was wondering why the spellchecker allowed “yads?”
Apparently it’s a Jewish pointer used for following along while reading the Torah. My favorite passage from the Torah comes from the book of Numbers.
Numbers 11: 1 Thou shall not have faith in the Game Manager. For he shall lead you down the path of destruction. Heed not his passes, for they shall only intercept the faith of the righteous man.
Omg if we win this game!!!!!
Terrible start uh oh
We need to knock manning out! Put dial in! !!
One down, two to go.
That was easy.
Old Bill Walsh play there. Denver used the umpire for a pick play.
Easy pickins.
Not a good sign when our MVP Phil Dawson misses. Team settles for way too many FGA to even think about being SB contenders.
Put the rock in the goddamn end zone.
That’s two. One more to go.
Jesus H. Christ. Wave the white flag.
Lynch keeps doing it. 1st NFL sack
Good ole Vernon back to dropping passes that hit him in the gut.
We need one
Yeah Berger and Crabtree has 2 drops. We’re a mess on O
Wow Boldin drops one. What can you say? No blocking in pass pro or in running doesn’t help Kap either
Brock blows coverage = TD #3
We got one thx brandon and kaep
I have no expectation at all that we should win this game, given how beat up our defense is. I’m just hoping we do not get humiliated. Get to the bye, get some people back and try to gain momentum down the stretch. And Go Giants.
Need a score
Cmon defense
More like C’mon Offense Rob !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Need points !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was talking to Del before the game and told him this could be a blow out. We were just too short at DB and LB to win today. Add the drops by the receivers and the lack of pressure on Manning and we had no chance. I’m not worried. We’ve got the bye
and some time to get healthy. We’ll be OK.
Denver has a really good defense.
“OK” doesn’t win Super Bowls, and this team is just — OK.
No Super Bowl for you!
It sounds like a broken record but I would have liked to see more 3 WR sets. Usually it is too much Singletary Sardine Can. Today it was too much 4 and 5 wide. The running game suffered because of it. Not that we would have won but I would have liked to see more balance on offense. Having said that 5 drops really killed the rhythm. We do seem to move the ball well with 4 and 5 wide but without the running game to mix in Kap just gets too much pressure to have to deal with.
Del- I said before the season that Denver is going to win the Super Bowl because of the D-line they put together. With that offense they have, that D-line gets to pass rush a lot, and they are good at that.
Tonight’s game caps off a toughest part of our schedule until the last three games.
I thought it was odd that we played on Monday night on the road and then went on the road again in a short week.
1) Trade Crabtree for an OL and/or DB.
2) Bench the eff out of Vernon Davis. Enough of his shit.
3) Pick a goddamn identity and stick with it. Who the hell are we?
4)
I’ll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Call GM Idzik in NY and see whether there’s any interest in Culliver.
We can get by with Dontae Johnson IMO.
NYJ are pathetic in the Secondary.
They’ve got Cap $$$ to burn at this point as well.
Culliver could return a Mid RD Pick and open the Roster up for another option.
Not bummed about the loss to Peyton tonight, rather that we can’t get anything clicking in the points dept.
Totally off tonight in many phases.
All that matters now is taking care of the NFC West.
Yep NJ we need to close the gap w/ Az and vie for Div. Champs. Our injuries caught up with us on this one
Phil injuries happen to everyone in this game.
We lacked focus.
Felt like the patsies that line up against the Harlem Globetrotters tonight.
Everyone was tuned in to see Peyton break the record and we just went through the motions.
If Harbaugh/Roman don’t find some answers in the points dept we’re going nowhere.
We still fall victim to the same shortcomings.
When our run game is neutralized, we’re resigned to look conservative and out of sync.
That has to change, along with adding another Center to an already chaotic OLine.
This Offense goes as the OLine goes.
So far it’s been a lot of Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde.
Kaep is keeping his eyes down field more thankfully.
Trying to take his shots is a welcome sight.
Can’t fault Kaep as much lately, he’s been seeing and delivering some nice ad hoc answers to protection breakdowns.
When you see how easy a Master like Peyton makes it look, it’s easy to see how a good QB gets all the accolades, while covering up lot’s of other deficiencies.
Kaep isn’t anywhere close to carrying a team like Peyton does.
Something we can only hope for as Kaep matures.
For now, Roman and Harbaugh have to find answers.
New post is up.