By Scooter_McG
The 49ers take their season record to 8-6 with a resounding win over the Falcons at home and now have a firm grip on the 6th seed in the NFC. This had the potential to be a real trap game for the 49ers given they have to travel to Tennessee to face the Titans on Thursday Night Football, but they took care of business with a dominant performance.
Things got off to a shaky start courtesy of a JaMycal Hasty lost fumble off the opening kickoff. I have to admit I had my doubts about how the 49ers would fare following that gaffe. But the defense demonstrated their resolve early with a goal line stand and 4th down stop. It would not the last time the defense held in such a fashion.
The 49ers offense got off to a slow start with a drop by Jennings on 2nd down setting up a quick 3 and out, which then led to a Falcons FG and their only lead of the game. From then on the 49ers offense was rolling. Yes, they ended up settling for a FG on that second drive, but they moved the ball down the field easily through two big pick ups to Kittle, including a nice ball down the seam. It was a sign of the 49ers intent as they attacked the middle of the field relentlessly throughout the game and came up with a number of big plays as a result. The running game played a nice complement to the passing game throughout the first half and third quarter, picking up nice gains to keep the team in good down and distance, while also delivering three TDs on the ground. The 49ers ended up scoring on five consecutive drives, with four straight TD drives following the FG.
In the end the run to pass ratio was highly skewed towards the run, but that was very much more a case of running the ball once they had a big lead. On the way to 31 points the team played with excellent run/ pass balance to keep the Falcons from keying on any one area.
The defense also did its part. They had a brief lapse after the 49ers first TD where they allowed penalties on third downs to extend the Falcons drive, leading to a TD over Thomas. But aside from that they continuously harrassed Ryan and shut down the Falcons running game.
Here is what stood out to me in this one.
Special teams not so special. Once again the 49ers special teams were the weakest part of the team, and a cause for concern every time there was a kickoff (whether it be returning it or defending it). They only had the one turnover (off the opening kickoff), but they felt like a big play waiting to happen for the opposition any time they were on the field. Aiyuk also continues to look uncomfortable handling punt return duties, constantly letting the ball hit the ground and then trying to field the bouncing ball.
I can't help but feel that special teams are going to be the downfall of the 49ers season at some point, possibly in a playoff game.
Offensive line was dominant. Jimmy G was rarely even pressured in this one, let alone touched, while the RBs were given some nice holes to run into. The offensive line deserves a lot of credit for how they handled the Falcons defensive front in this game. While it wasn't the most difficult of assignments (the Falcons have one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL) seeing the easy movement they generated a number of times in the running game was a delight, and the comfort Jimmy G felt in the pocket was obvious.
Speaking of Jimmy G... this was arguably his best game of the year in my opinion. Definitely one of the most efficient performances we've seen from him. He finished the game 18 of 23 for 235 yards and a TD, and three of those incompletions were drops by Jauan Jennings that he should have caught. His day included some excellent throws over the middle of the field as he took advantage of the Falcons LBs and safeties in coverage, leading to big 25 yard+ gains for Kittle, Aiyuk and Deebo. And he didn't have any of those characteristic "WTF Jimmy?" throws we are accustomed to. Importantly, this also wasn't a game where they leaned on the running game to get the offense going - a lot of the 49ers scoring drives included early big gaining throws from JG to get them rolling.
Pass rush gets it done. They may have only finished with 3 sacks, but the 49ers defense put pressure on Ryan all day. In addition to those three sacks they also had 10 QB hits, as well as many other pressures. Arden Key in particular was impressive in this one, with one sack and 2 QB hits, and he should have had 2 sacks if not for a roughing the passer penalty for driving with force. The Falcons first drive of the second half really put the game in the control of the 49ers, with two sacks including a forced fumble on the second by Bosa that gave the 49ers good field position to go score a TD and put themselves up by two scores.
Goal line heroes. In addition to the goal line stand to start the game, the 49ers defense iced this one with two straight goal line stands at the end. It epitomised the energy and speed the 49ers defense played with throughout the game, and was a well deserved reward for those efforts.
Where to from here? In addition to keeping the 49ers at least one game ahead in the race for 6th spot in the NFC, the win also gives the 49ers the tie breakers against three of the teams in the hunt for the 6th and 7th seeds in the NFC. The 49ers chances of making the playoffs are now looking very good.
Helping matters, their next opponent, the Titans, are still dealing with injuries to a number of key players, none more notable than Derrick Henry. They've still managed to win a number of games in his absence (though lost today to the Steelers after a second half meltdown) but look far more vulnerable without his steadying presence churning out yards to keep the pressure of Tannehill needing to lead them to points. A win over the Titans should almost be enough to secure a playoff spot for the 49ers.
With the Cardinals losing to the Lions today, and looking well out of sorts in recent weeks, there is even a remote chance the 49ers could compete for the NFC West division title. However, that would seem very unlikely. The fact the 49ers are in such a healthy spot for a playoff berth is a feat in and of itself given where the team came from during the first half of the season.
I would just add three things.
ReplyDelete1. The roughing call on Key to extend the Falcons drive was bad.
2. No trust in Hasty handcuffed Shanny to keep running Wilson/Samuel.
3. Missed holding call on Jones right in front of the ref.
Disappointed that Hasty has not improved on ball security since last season. Need to see Trusty Hasty.
DeleteHasty’s ball security issues have always made him borderline unplayable for me. He’s far more likely to fumble than Brieda was and doesn’t offer the same big play upside.
DeleteI was extremely proud of the team today. First time all year. That fumble on the first play could have wreaked all kinds of havoc, defense turned the tale of game. Thomas is hanging right there with his man he just needs more reps. I think he will be fine.
ReplyDeleteYep, Thomas is hanging tough.
DeleteHe's getting beat at the catch point almost every time. And this wasn't a particularly tough assignment, from the point of view of sticking to his man. He has some work to do.
DeleteSo did Ward in his rookie year. The difference being Thomas is a year removed from football. I think his timing at the catch point will come with more reps.
DeleteIt may, and should improve. It's a technique thing more than timing. He loses leverage when he turns his head. I like that he is turning his head, but he needs to stay in phase when he does it. Lean on the receiver better. And then be more physical at the catch point.
DeleteI am optimistic about Thomas. He started only season in college and then missed last season due to COVID. I see some improvement in this game over the previous one. He has the tools. His strength and conditioning is improving. Now he needs to improve his technique. I'm interested to learn what Eric Crocker thinks of his progress.
DeleteBut Niners do need E-man back for the play-offs.
“Thought he had some decent coverage. Just has to do a better job making a play on the ball, not giving up the catch."-Shanny
DeleteScooter is right about Ambrey's technique. That said, it is worth noting that Thomas was often in coverage vs Kyle Pitts, who is a mismatch vs almost every CB in the league, or Russell Gage, who has become Matt Ryan's most reliable outside receiver. In fact, Gage had over 300 yards receiving over the last 4 games, including 11 receptions on just 12 targets for 130 YDS vs the Bucs, so he's been really good as of late. And there is a lot to like from what I've seen out of Thomas over these last 2 games. He has prototypical size, and elite speed (4.37), to go along with long arms, and very fluid hips. He uses these physical traits along with solid bump and run techniques, so he's a good at the LOS in man coverage, but he's still learning other aspects like zone coverage. I've also noticed that he's too grabby-grabby, so he needs to learn how to be more subtle when he does grab, which all CB's do from time to time, and not be so obvious about it.
DeleteThe good news is that he rarely gets beat bad. He's usually in pretty darn good position to make a play on the ball ... until he does exactly what Scooter describes - falling out of phase when he turns his head to locate the football. Ambrey also needs needs to be more aggressive at knocking the ball away from the intended receiver at the catch point.
He is a rookie though, and he didn't play a single snap in 20202, which is why I wish Kyle would have given him and Lenoir more work early in the year.
I understand playing rookies can be a catch-22, but the issue I had was playing a washed-up - Dre Kirkpatrick, ahead of Thomas. Dre Kirkpatrick spent 3 or 4 games either flailing around and committing PI in an egregious fashion, or missing tackles (sometimes getting completely run over without even slowing down the WR/ball carrier)! In fact, Kirkpatrick failed to record a single PD during the 3 or 4 games that he was starting ahead of 2 promising rookie CB', including the #102 overall pick in the 2021 draft. When you draft a CB that high, you need to play them ahead of washed-up CB's who you've only recently sign off the street, IMO.
But all in all, it's mostly POSSITIVE for the 49ers! Things are really shaping up as they seem to be peaking as we move into the final month of the regular season. Plus, they've re-established their identity as an ultra physical team with an alpha-male mentality. Yesterday the Niners' OL did a fantastic job, and Garoppolo played with a rare confidence, hitting his WR's in-stride with regularity, which was really fun to watch!
I'm sure that Ambry will eventually get it right. The reps are a good source of learning the speed of the game and different offensive schemes.
DeleteBut at the moment I can't trust Thomas in a close game. The more he plays, perhaps the faster he develops, but at the same time QB's know that he's the player to attack. The last two games are (to me) proof that Ambry is far from ready. No one has given up more points and yardage than he has. That isn't good enough. And that is a big cause for concern if he plays in the post season.
Thomas has the tools to improve over the course of the next few weeks.
DeleteAES, the problem is that there are only so many roster spots, so with injuries, they either end up elevating a practice squad CB who may never be an NFL starter, or play Thomas, who you would hope has the ability to develop into one.
DeleteBut yah, Ambrey is getting picked on right now, and that's far from ideal.
The other problem is that starting CB's cost a fortune in free agency, which is why most teams use the top of their drafts to select the best ones.
Also, lack of depth at CB shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, which is another reason why it's really tough to pay your starting QB a premium AND also use 3 first round picks and a third rounder on a player who is currently a backup who holds a clipboard but never plays.
DeleteWhile his inexperience does give reason for hope scooter’s concern is legit. Ball skills are often more an instinctual trait than a learned one. He was baptized a fair amount in college as well.
DeleteCurrently, I would say he’s a poor mans Chris Culliver with upside due to his physical abilities.
49Reasons,
DeleteI hear you. But my concern is that Thomas is not ready to take on the role of defending top NFL Receivers and QB's. That doesn't mean that he won't be good enough to handle this role in the future, but obviously he's not there right now.
With the team rising from the depths to now becoming a playoff contender, it's imperative that the 49ers shore up every position especially if they make the playoffs. When I look at the defense the one weakness I see is the CB (namely Thomas) and that needs to be shored up.
Scooter, bravo, great wrap up! What stood out to me:
ReplyDelete- Ryan’s gotten good at this.
- Jeff Wilson’s a baller. When Mitchell comes back, I hope they alternate the two within games. For example, Give one the first and third quarters, and the other the second and fourth. Might get more out of each of them that way.
- Add Jennings to our list of playmakers. We seem better with him on the field.
Thanks George. I like the idea of mixing Mitchell and Wilson in - I'd probably look to go with a 2 drives to 1 ratio in Mitchell's favour.
DeleteJennings is emerging as a nice 3rd WR option. But would like to see him hang onto those balls he dropped today.
Jennings' run blocking should not be overlooked.
DeleteHe has the right attitude and tools to be a Shanny possession receiver. The drops should decrease with more experience and confidence. He's basically a rookie who started getting substantial snaps only after the designated #3 receiver went on IR.
A very good overall summary of the game as usual, Scooter.
ReplyDeleteOnly one point of mild disagreement. I continued to be amused by fans' take of Jimmy G where he's damned with faint praise.
I got to watch most of the top QBs in action this week. I thought Jimmy G played at a top-3 level this week along with Rodgers and Mahomes, and better than Herbert and Allen. His ball placement was accurate except for one or two passes, and he was decisive with the ball. I watched the top-10 QBs throw high, miss open receivers, and throw interceptions at a rate folks routinely associate with Jimmy G.
I thought Jimmy G played excellent. It was more than just a few excellent throws. Granted that the Falcons D is one of the poorer defenses and that Niners had their full array of pass catchers, but all the top QBs depend on a supporting cast. We saw the GOAT without his supporting cast last night and it wasn't pretty.
With Aiyuk developing into a reliable receiver, I think this is the first time in his Niners' career that Jimmy has had something close to a fully array of pass catchers (still missing a solid #3 receiver -- Jennings is essentially a rookie, and a proven pass-catching RB). I don't agree with folks who say that Jimmy needs an excellent running game to be productive. I think he needs the array of reliable pass catchers that most top QBs have.
To call his performance "efficient", and point out that he did not throw interception-worthy throw is a little bit of damning Jimmy with faint praise, IMO.
Jimmy now leads the NFL in yards per attempt at 8.48. Kyler Murray second at 8.42. (For fantasy football players, he's also tied for 6th with Burrow in the all-important air yards per attempt, just below Josh Allen :)
As an aside, I think that this one is his third best game. I'm ranking the Bengal's game and the Packers' game higher because he played against better defenses and overcame mistakes made by his team and himself.
We know Jimmy's weaknesses but we tend to focus on those unduly while unfavorably comparing him against HoF shoo-ins like Brady, Rodgers, Mahomes, Brees, etc. Jimmy G is a solid starting QB ranking in the top-half of the league.
"I continued to be amused by fans' take of Jimmy G where he's damned with faint praise."
DeleteI agree I don't understand it. Point on with the Brady not having his weapons.
"I'm ranking the Bengal's game and the Packers' game higher because he played against better defenses and overcame mistakes made by his team and himself."
Very astute observation, I was wondering if the Bengal game was his best game of his career. He drove the team for points at half, he drove his team for the win at the end of the game - missed FG, he drove his team in OT for the win.
Thanks, Under. I listen to a few Niners podcasts when I'm doing household chores, and all of them -- from HAM (Haberman and Middlekauff), to John Chapman -- to Peacock and Crocker are so mealy-mouthed in their back-handed compliments that it's just funny.
DeleteSame with the KNBR guys like Mac and Murph, Tolbert, Krueger and Lund, etc. (I have a low opinion of Larry Krueger's football understanding -- so I guess he doesn't count!)
When Jimmy G is playing well, they all start by saying that they are not going to criticize Jimmy G but then they do exactly that -- focusing one the one or two TO-worthy passes he throws per game. Since Jimmy G is not a top 5-10 arm talent, he's trash.
When Jimmy is playing really well, folks well point out that he's benefiting from the run game and he cannot carry the team on his own. Well, for Jimmy to carry the team on his back, he would need a full array of receivers (since he is not going to run the ball himself). As I mentioned, only now is he having multiple reliable receivers on the field at the same time for a stretch of 5-6 games, except for the part of 2019 when he had Kittle and Sanders (both healthy at the same time).
Mood, I think you are reaching for something to be critical of/ disagree with if you believe that was faint praise. Certainly wasn't intended that way.
DeletePointing out it was "definitely his most efficient" was straight after saying imo it was his best game. And pointing out he didn't have any characteristic TO worthy plays is just fact, and underscores why this was one of his best performances of the season.
He was excellent. And made a number of excellent throws. Like I said.
I know you didn't intend to criticize Jimmy, Scooter. My comment was aimed more to a lot stuff other people write or speak.
DeleteOne can have a high efficiency by throwing short passes -- laterals or in the flat. Hurts and Jones have done this all season long and Jimmy has been often (correctly) accused of this approach to make his completion percentage look good.
I think the Jimmy G narrative has now become such that we fans often focus on what he didn't do rather than what he actually did.
Yesterday, Jimmy threw several longer passes with good ball placement (like the slant to Aiyuk). In the last two games, he has made a lot of really good throws, include those to outside the numbers -- all within he structure of Kyle's offense. The passing game is finally catching on.
Also, it's interesting how Juice and Aiyuk among others have commented on Jimmy's leadership during this winning stretch. Jimmy is naturally laid back, not a forceful, intense leader like Brady, but he is trying to keep the Shanny ship sailing in the right direction:)
Yes, I agree the narrative around JG even when he plays well is often couched in a way that explains it away as being due to other factors. Not really good play by JG.
DeleteHe was very good against the Falcons. No ifs or buts. He got the offense rolling early. Not the running game.
Hopefully this was a sign of things to come for the rest of the season.
Jimmy is a solid starter, who is probably ranked in the mid teens through most of the game but is borderline elite in high leverage moments. I prefer him to Alex Smith.
DeleteThe funny thing is I think that both the haters and fans don’t rank him that far apart... some just focus on the negative and others the positive. My problem is that those who focus on the negative forget how many bad QBs there are in the league.
Anyone still believe Jimmy G isn't worth a 2nd round pick?
ReplyDeleteGiven the dearth of QBs likely to be available for teams that need one, I think the potential is there to get a day 2 and day 3 pick.
DeleteI have never doubted it.
DeleteMY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Delete* To start with, another fine 9er game summary Scooter!
* Special Teams: The Achilles heel will sabotage a 9er playoff run.
* I agree, O-line was dominate. But tempered by the realization Atlanta has one of the worst D-line in NFL
* I share your opinion, this was JG's best game of the
year. But again tempered by the realization Atlanta's
Defense is ranked bottom 5 in the NFL
* Pass rush is the strength of the 2021 9ers. Not as good as the 2019 defense, but not far behind. The two
goal line stands was the difference between a close game and a big win over Atlanta.
* Where to from here? ESPN gives the 9ers a 77% chance of making the playoffs. 9er will be tested by playing the Titans this Thursday, with only 3 days between games. A win against the Titans, will likely assure a playoff spot.
How far the 9ers get in the playoffs will depend on fixing the ST fiasco, throwing no INT's, no turnovers and limiting team penalties.
As a proven starting QB, he should fetch a late first round pick. However, teams picking late first round generally have their starter already. So a second round and a second or third next year's draft seems reasonable.
DeleteMood
DeleteAll depend on what happens with Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson in 2022? Bronco's, Giants, Panthers and Saint's are possible teams that would be willing to trade for JG, but I would expect a 2nd Rd. pick will depend on how he plays in the playoffs.
I don't think his playing is going to change much if continues to be healthy. He is a pretty well-known commodity by now for competent front offices.
DeleteI question it. Though my question is more in relation to his his contract and no trade clause.
DeleteAnd to be fair if Jimmy wants to say “screw you. Cut me.” I’m fine with it given the way he was treated.
Another A+ recap, Scooter.
ReplyDeleteI think the big headline for me is the reemergence of JEFF WILSON JR! This potentially changes everything, including a Mitchell/Wilson RB tandem. Maybe we need to come up with a nickname for the duo.
Slash and Gash, maybe?
Mitchell gets 65% of the carries. Both RB's are excellent pass-catching RB's as well.
Delete62%, let's keep Mitchell as fresh as possible! However, Jeff Wilson is a legit weapon once again! He finally returned to form, slashing and gashing and burrowing into the endzone! Really impressive stuff. Wilson was noticeably faster, and that's a key quality for this scheme. Plus Wilson has good size as well, 215 lbs, give or take. This is potentially a top RB duo, pound for pound.
DeleteI guess we are about to find out about Jimmy G's mettle .... once and for all?
ReplyDeleteI think he has a golden opportunity, with the way the team is clicking, as they are certainly peaking at just the right time. In fact, if Jimmy had been playing this way when the 49ers unfortunately got off to a slow start, and Jimmy deserves his share of the blame.
But right now, the way this team is firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball, including the Offensive and Defensive Lines (with the possible exception at CB, and certainly ST), Jimmy Garoppolo has a golden opportunity to put to bed every ounce of criticism he's ever received, because if he keeps playing like he did on Sunday, this 49ers team suddenly looks to be much closer to the dominant team we thought they would be.
Bring home #6 Jimmy, and you will be absolved of all of your quarterbacking sins! I'll be the first guy to take everything back, provided Jimmy gets it done!
Adam Schefter
ReplyDelete@AdamSchefter
Bucs’ WR Chris Godwin has an ACL and is done for the year.
11:36 AM · Dec 20, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
One thing that is really bothering me, and stokes deja vu! Kyle won't even bring in Lance and the rest of the offensive backups into the game to protect the veteran stars. This is baseline common sense, guys. The Atlanta Falcons weren't coming back from an 18 points deficit with 4 minutes left, especially the way the 49ers defense was playing. If you don't want to risk it defensively that's one thing, but to not relieve your top offensive players in that situation, despite years and years worth of excessive injuries, is just DUMB, it really is!
ReplyDeleteKyle makes dumb decisions, he really does, and that's my biggest problem with him. And I think it's a case of not being able to control his emotions, because he hasn't got over got over the Falcons coming back on him in 2019. Yah ... with a JULIO JONES! But that was only NINE point comeback, so it's not comparable!
My biggest fear is that Kyle Shanahan will run this team into the ground before the postseason, if he's not careful. There is something seriously wrong with the psychology of a HC who is not interesting in pulling his top guys up on 1st and 6, @ 4:23 in the 4th QTR, DESPITE a history of injuries, and having another game in FOUR DAYS!!!!
Guys get hurt, even in blowouts, it's a violent sport. Do any one of you guys think you can look me in eye, and tell me Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel aren't MUCH much safer from injuries standing on the sidelines, than being on the field?
Come on Kyle, this is just ridiculous!
You have another game in 4 days, and you aren't interested in getting your stars out of the game on 1st and 6, up EIGHTEEN POINTS with only a little over 4:00 left on the clock? That's just IDIOTIC! Plain and simple! This is what worries me about Kyle, this kind of thing! NO COMMON SENSE whatsoever! Elite offensive coordinator, but maybe too emotional to be a Head Coach!
Brady never sits, even in blowouts. Rodgers doesn't sit.
DeleteGuys don't sit in the NFL, unless it preseason or a meaningless game.
Stop it, this is dumb.
From MM
ReplyDelete"Now, Garoppolo is making Shanahan look brilliant — while playing well enough to make people wonder if the 49ers’ decision to invest heavily in a young quarterback was the wise move."
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/jimmy-garoppolos-hot-streak-points-49ers-improvements-around-qb
UC
DeleteOf all people, Matt Maiocco know the 9ers traded up for Lance because JG was often hurt, on IR and only available to play 50% of the time for 9er games. NOT
because of how he played.
Reminds me of what Scooter wrote, how sports writers determine fans opinion(s) of players.
The pimp move for Jimmy is to win a Super Bowl this year, and then command a trade on his own terms.
DeleteAnything short of a Lombardi Trophy and Jimmy is as good as gone.
DeleteGeep - fully understood.
DeletePlayoff Predictor site: https://playoffpredictors.com/Football/NFL
ReplyDeleteI think Scooter had something up last week and I came across this website as I do an annual bet w friends....... I have SF going to Dallas - coin flip game, in my opinion
Akash Anavarathan
ReplyDelete@akashanav
In the last 3 games, here are the NFL leaders in PFF’s Pass-Rushing Productivity.
1. TJ Watt, 17.4
2. Nick Bosa, 14.1
3. Arden Key, 13.4 (!!!)
Key has been such a value signing for SF and a beautiful coaching job by Kris Kocurek.
Thanks, Mood.
DeleteWill be interesting to see what they do with him this offseason. For mine this is a bit like the Kerry Hyder situation - he's more valuable to the 49ers than anyone else because the system suits him. I suspect much like with Hyder last offseason, they'll have a reasonable (but relatively low for a guy with his production this year) offer they are willing to give him, but won't get into a bidding war for him.
DeleteDoes NOT happen very often, BUT...I'm rooting for Seattle
ReplyDeletetonight, TO BEAT THE LA LAMS!
If the Rams lose to Seattle, and the 9ers beat the Titans,
the Rams would be 9W-5L, the 9ers would be 9W-6L and 1/2 game behind LA.
The Rams schedule = Seattle, Vikings, Ravens and the 9ers.
Question is can the Niners win the West? It's not that remote as the Cards have the Colts, Cowgirls, and the Hawks. Rams need to lose one game before we beat them in the last game of the season. I can see the Cards losing out, it's not out of the question. Of course, the Niners have to win out.
DeleteUC
DeleteWhy I believe the 9ers should beat the Titans:
* The Titans have lost 3 out of their last 4 games
* The Titans have struggled to replicate their scoring output without Derrick Henry in the lineup. the last three losses they've managed to score just 13 points in each contest.
* Tannehill completed just 12 passes for 37 yards over the final two quarters against the Steelers and also committed three of their four turnovers.
* The Titans failed to protect Tannehill against the Steelers and was sacked four times. The 9ers defense that has 36 sacks, tied for the ninth-most in the NFL.
Thanks, GEEP and uc. Didn't realize this.
DeleteUC
Delete"Question is can the Niners win the West?"
I would say if the 9ers can avoid injuries, they have
a punchers chance of winning the NFL W. Division.
* If Arizona loses their all 3 games, they're 10W - 7L
* If the Lams lose 1 game against Seattle, Ravens, or Vikings and then lose to the 9ers, they're 11W - 6L but lose the tie-breaker to the 9ers.
* If the 9ers win out against the Titans, Texans and the Rams, they're 11W - 6L and win Western Division.
I can't find the odds for 9ers winning 2021 W. Div,
but here are the odds of 9ers winning the SB....
Super Bowl 56 odds: Colts, 49ers rise while Cardinals nosedive.
https://dknation.draftkings.com/2021/12/20/22845910/super-bowl-odds-2022-week-16-movement-colts-49ers-rise-cardinals-fall
Cam Inman
ReplyDelete@CamInman
#49ers Elijah Mitchell's knee issue has "taken a positive turn," and he'll be a game-night decision Thursday, GM John Lynch says on KNBR.
Mitchell is out of concussion protocol; knee injury came on same play. in Seattle, Lynch says
Great news! I still want to hold him out but if he's ready, unleash The Beast!
DeleteMood
DeleteDo you believe KS should let Mitchell rest against the Titans? IMO The 9ers can beat the Titans without him and don't need to risk another injury, Let him rest and get him healthy for the playoffs.
Geep,
DeleteThat's a decision for the Niners coaches to make based only after the doctors have cleared him to play following monitoring his knee after practice. Of course,as a fan, I want to see him play. But I have confidence in Kyle and Bobby making the right decision.
David Lombardi video today with a current roster review:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=433dcE6vJw8&t=109s
"...Elijah's a guy who's proven worthy of allowing him that opportunity to go see on game day if he's ready. And if so, we won't hesitate. He kind of earned that trust in his rookie year, which is an impressive feat."
ReplyDeleteAn impressive feat indeed!
So I was just reading Trent Williams comment re Bosa, and whether you'd take anyone over him. Got me thinking... is it possible the 49ers have the best player at their position at four positions? Bosa, Williams, Kittle and Juice? How many teams could make a similar case?
ReplyDeleteAnd that doesn't even include Warner, who after last season you could have made an argument was the best at his position too.
DeleteGarrett might be the better athlete but Bosa has the better mindset. I wouldn't take anyone over him either or the others for that matter.
DeleteDeebo as a wing back should be the best at his position. Only Patterson is in his class, and we just saw what he had to offer.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry- can't root for Seattle.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Rams are going underneath on about 80% of pass attempts... hope Shanahan is paying attention- ridiculous to lose both to Seattle this year.