NFC Championship Post Match Review: 49ers at Rams

By Scooter_McG 

As was expected from these two rivals, the NFC Championship Game was a torrid and feisty affair, with both teams playing a physical brand of football and giving no quarter. But despite leading by 10 points entering the fourth quarter the 49ers were unable to hold on and ultimately went down to the Rams 20 to 17. 

This is a game where both teams missed chances. The 49ers could have taken an early lead if Jimmy G hadn't overthrown Kittle on their opening possession, who only had to outrun the safety to score. The Rams missed a few opportunities in the first half also, with an INT on 3rd and goal and then a dropped pass in the end zone later in the half. 

But for the 49ers, the opportunity that will no doubt be keeping one Jaquiski Tartt up at night will be dropping the easiest of INTs on a long bomb by Stafford that hit Tartt in the numbers with nobody around him. If that INT was taken, with just over 8 minutes left on the game clock, the 49ers would have had the ball in good field position with a 3 point lead. Instead, the Rams would drive the ball down the field and score the game tying FG. It's a shame for Tartt, as other than that blemish he had a pretty good game. 

In the end the Rams were the better team throughout the majority of the contest and deserved the win. The 49ers were outplayed in the first half quite comprehensively yet went into the break up by 3, courtesy of the above missed chances I outlined. And when the 49ers extended that lead by a TD late in the 3rd quarter, off the back of two impressive stops on 3rd and 4th and short for a turnover on downs, it felt like the 49ers were now getting on top. 

Even after the Rams easily marched down field to cut the lead by 3, the 49ers still looked to have the game in the palm of their hands as they marched the ball past midfield and had the ball on 2nd and 1 in Rams territory. But the 49ers then failed to convert on 2nd and 3rd downs, with two run attempts stuffed for a loss and no gain. The Tartt dropped INT would occur early the next series and the momentum then swung entirely to the Rams as the closed out the game. 

The Rams game plan for this one was perfect, it has to be said. They did a great job taking away the 49ers running game throughout the contest, preventing the 49ers getting into a rhythm on offense and forcing the team into numerous 3rd and longs. The Rams also neutralised the 49ers pass rush early by going to a lot of quick game, which resulted in some very long drives that got the 49ers D gassed and presented some opportunities deep later in the game. It was impressive that the 49ers were able to keep finding ways to stay in the game and prevent the Rams from building a big lead. 

The game draws to a close what has been one of the most roller coaster seasons I can recall for the 49ers. Starting the season 2 and 4, then dropping to 3 and 5 following an embarrassing loss to the under strength Cardinals, the team looked lost and no chance of making the playoffs. They were continually finding ways to beat themselves. But their resurgence in the second half of the season was stunning and a testament to the resolve and resilience of both the players and coaching staff. To then get to the NFC Championship Game with two hard fought wins over the Cowboys and Packers was a well deserved reward for the team that refused to quit. 

The game also likely draws to a close Jimmy Garoppolo's time with the 49ers. While nobody will ever confuse Jimmy G as a great QB, he finishes his career with the 49ers as one of the team's winningest QBs ever. He took the team to two NFC Championship Games in his two mostly healthy seasons with the team, including one win. But unfortunately he was unable to bring home the Super Bowl win. Say what you want about him, he's been a class act with the 49ers and deserves praise in particular for the way he handled himself this season despite knowing the team had drafted his future replacement. 

With that said, thanks to everyone that has contributed to making this blog a fun one. I've really enjoyed putting these pre and post game reports together and being able to discuss the team's ups and downs with you all. Can't wait to do it again next season! 

But now the offseason awaits, and it should be a fascinating one as we see how the team looks to manage their cap and transition to their new starting QB Trey Lance. But we will have plenty of time to discuss all of that in the coming weeks and months. 

NFC Championship Game Night Live 49ers vs. Rams

 

49ers Inactives:

QB Nate Sudfeld RB Jeff Wilson WR Mohamed Sanu OL Aaron Banks DL Maurice Hurst LB Marcell Harris CB Deommodore Lenoir

Jimmy GQ is 14-5 All-Time as an underdog for the 49ers, and he's 4-0 with the 49ers as an underdog in 2021, 2 of which came against the Los Angeles Rams. Let's Go!

David Lombardi

@LombardiHimself

·

35s

Trent Williams is good to go

Quote Tweet

IG: JosinaAnderson

@JosinaAnderson

· 1m

#49ers T Trent Williams just told me he is “all good.” Let’s Go

NFC Championship Game Matchups to Watch: 49ers at Rams

By Scooter_McG

The NFC crown and a trip to the Super Bowl is on the line this weekend, and the NFC champion will be from the NFC West this season as the 49ers travel to their home away from home, SoFi Stadium, to take on the division rival Rams for the third time this season. 

It's been well documented that the 49ers have the wood over the Rams in recent times, having won all six contests between the two teams over the past three seasons. But there is a big difference between beating a team during the regular season than in the post season. This game will be a different beast.  

I went over a lot of the key matchups just a few weeks ago when these two teams played in week 18, and they mostly remain relevant now. By now we all know for the 49ers to win they need to commit to and find success in the running game, while taking away the opposing running game and pressuring their QB. It is also imperative to not beat themselves through silly mistakes. That has been the key to the 49ers turning around their season and getting to this point in the post season.

So I won't go over those again. Instead, here are a couple of other keys I see to deciding this game. 

Fast start. The Rams have gotten off to fast starts and big early leads in their past three games, including their week 18 loss to the 49ers. While they still lost that week 18 game, and almost choked the game away again last week against the Bucs, the 49ers don't want to be in a position where they need to chase a lot of points in the second half in such a big game. 

Given their recent form it seems likely the Rams will come out firing again this week. So the 49ers will need to come out firing early in all phases of the game to make sure the Rams don't jump out to that big early lead for fourth straight game. 

Get the crowd involved. In the week 18 matchup between these two teams, the 49ers fans travelled in force to takeover SoFi Stadium, with more 49er fans in attendance than Rams fans. The crowd noise from the away fans was so loud the Rams were actually forced to go to a silent count on offense during the second half fight back by the 49ers. After the game a number of Rams players and partners commented on how hard and hostile an environment the crowd made it for the Rams in that second half. 

All signs are pointing to this game having another strong contingent of 49ers fans, with some sites indicating it could be as high as a 65%-35% split in the 49ers favour. We saw in the last matchup how the support of the 49ers fans can make a difference. It will be up the 49ers team to feed off that energy, and take advantage of the opportunities that crowd energy and noise provides. If they can do that, the crowd will only become a bigger factor throughout the game. 

Resilience. That's been the greatest asset of the this 49ers team this season. They've been incredibly resilient and overcome a lot to get where they are. As they say, good teams find ways to win and the 49ers have done just that ever since their embarrassing loss to the Colt McCoy led Cardinals in week 9. 

Both of these teams have been NFC champs in recent years - the Rams in 2018 and 49ers in 2019 - so it is unlikely the occasion will be too big for either team. Both teams have been there and know how to win in this environment. But there is nothing better than the confidence that comes from winning high pressure games at the back end of a season. 

In that regard it is the 49ers that have built some callouses when it comes to performing under pressure in big games. They've now played three straight must win games that went down to the wire. The Rams on the other hand were never stressed by the Cardinals in the first week of the playoffs, and they very nearly capitulated last week against the Bucs. That experience can prove invaluable the deeper into the playoffs you get and importantly can galvanise a team and give them a sense confidence and calmness that they can win no matter the situation. The 49ers will need to display that confidence and calmness in this one. 

This should be a cracking game, I can't wait. Go 49ers!

Cat's Out Of The Bag

 

Matt Maiocco

@MaioccoNBCS

"Those high ankles are never a fun thing," said Jimmy Garoppolo in reference to #49ers teammate Trent Williams.

6:26 PM · Jan 28, 2022·Twitter Web App

Open/General Discussion Thursday

Donald had 86 QB pressures during the regular season but only three of those came vs. SF.

Bosa is a sack away from Haley's playoff record of 7.5.

Matt Stafford vs. Coverages: Cover-1, Cover-3 (Single-High): - 1st in EPA/Play Cover-2, Cover-4, Cover-6 (2-High): - 14th in EPA/Play

Divisional Round Post Match Review: 49ers at Packers

By Scooter_McG 

Incredible. Unbelievable. Amazing. Name the incredulous superlative and that describes the unlikely come from behind victory for the 49ers over the Packers in the Divisional Round. 

Here's what stood out to me.

Defensive resolve. The 49ers were outplayed by the Packers for the majority of the game. Out muscled for large stretches of it. But despite producing one of their worst offensive performances since Kyle Shanahan has been in charge, the 49ers showed a steely resolve on defense that prevented the game from getting away from them and keep the game within one score at all times. 

The defense was led by Arik Armstead and Fred Warner, who put in tremendous displays. Armstead continued his exceptional play during the second half of this season, recording another pair of sacks in this one, making it 5.5 sacks in his last three games (all of which were win or go home situations). He is proving to be a big game performer for the 49ers. Fred Warner was also everywhere in this one and made a number of big plays. 

The defensive line was able to harass Rodgers just enough in this one to prevent him from keeping many drives alive, with the Packers only passing halfway four times all game. Impressively, the Packers were only able to come away with 10 points on those four drives. 

The defensive performance was all the more remarkable given how easily the Packers moved the ball on their first two drives. They never looked troubled on the opening drive as Rodgers and Adams repeatedly hooked up, leading to a TD run for Dillon. On that second drive they were well on their way to another score, but a peanut punch by Warner turned the tide for the defense as they were able to force the fumble and get the ball back for the offense. The Packers would only pass halfway twice more on their remaining eight drives of the game, as the defense started taking Adams away and held up against the Packers run game. 

One of the critical sequences of the game came during the second half on the Packers FG drive. The Packers offense had been sputtering for some time, but got going on that drive with some tough running and finding ways to get the ball to Adams. They got down to the San Francisco 5 yard line and looked like scoring a TD, but Armstead stepped up on third down to record his first sack of the game and keep the game within one score. In a close game like this one, that play was crucial to maintain striking distance and keep the pressure on the Packers. 

Special teams were special. And for a change, in a good way. If it was the defense that kep the team in the game, it was the special teams that won it. The specialists were rock solid, and Robbie Gould was once again nails in the post season, despite the inclement weather. He kicked two FGs and an extra point, including the game winner as time expired from 45 yards.

But more importantly, the 49ers came up with some massive, game turning plays on special teams throughout the game. First, Jimmie Ward blocked a FG attempt at the end of the first half to keep it a one score game at the half. Then Deebo started the second half with a big kick return to set the 49ers up at halfway, which led to the 49ers first points. 

But the real hero of the game was Jordan Willis, who knifed past the center on a punt deep in Packers territory with just under 5 minutes to go to block the punt, which was scooped up by Talanoa Hufanga for the game tying TD. 

In a game where the offense repeatedly found ways to not score (more on that below) the contribution from the special teams was crucial to the win. And for one week at least Richard Hightower can feel good about his unit. 

Offense was inept. As outlined above, the offense produced one of their worst performances under Kyle Shanahan, especially in the first half. In fact the first four drives were three and outs, three of which were ended by sacks on third down. The running game was going nowhere while the receivers were letting Jimmy G down by continually dropping passes or not getting open. The blocking was also sub-par in both the run and pass game, as the Packers defensive line consistently overwhelmed them at the line of scrimmage. 

It wasn't until their last drive of the first half that the 49ers got moving on offense. And even that drive looked like it was going to stall quickly, until an exceptional one handed catch by Kittle on the sideline gave them their first first down of the game. The drive would get them all the way down to a first and goal, but a Trent Williams holding penalty would back them up then Jimmy G threw a very late pass while on the move to Kittle that was intercepted by Amos. 

The second half started with more promise, as the 49ers drove down the field to start the half relying heavily on Deebo Samuel and got within the five yard line. However, Mitchell was penalised for a face mask which backed them up, then Aiyuk lined up incorrectly. In the end the 49ers had to settle for a FG. 

After the Packers kicked a FG to extend their lead back to 7, the 49ers got going on offense again with a couple of nice runs and a big third down conversion to Kittle for 24 yards. However, the 49ers would eventually turn the ball over on downs after it looked like Elijah Mitchell made an error by cutting the ball back inside instead of following Trent Williams on the outside run on 4th and 1. 

The offense found ways to shoot itself in the foot the entire game. But in the end the defense and special teams did enough to overcome those mistakes.

Big Picture. NFC Championship Game! After starting the season 2-4 then 3-5, who would have thought this team could make it to the NFCCG? It's a remarkable display of perseverance and self belief by the players and coaches to have made it this far. The team is far from perfect, but they play hard and play for each other, with just enough skill thrown in, and that combination can prove difficult to beat.  

The 49ers will no doubt be sweating on a few injuries this week, as a number of players looked hobbled by the end of the game. Hopefully none of the injuries are serious and the players are able to recover in time for next week. Now we wait to see which team the 49ers will be facing.

Go 49ers! 

NFC Divisional Playoffs Gameday Live 49ers vs. Packers

49ers Inactives

CB Ambry Thomas

CB Deommodore Lenoir

LB Marcell Harris

OT Jaylon Moore RB Trey Sermon S Jarrod Wilson DL Maurice Hurst

Divisional Round Matchups to Watch: 49ers at Packers

By Scooter_McG 

The 49ers are through to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs after beating the Cowboys on the road last week. This week they travel to Lambeau Field to face to #1 seed in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers. 

Much like last week, the 49ers will head into this game as the deserved underdog. The Packers finished the season with a 13-4 record, and are led by the player most experts expect to be named NFL MVP for a fourth time this year in Aaron Rodgers. 

In terms of yards, the Packers field top ten units on both offense and defense. They finished the regular season with the 10th ranked offense in yards gained and 9th ranked defense in yards allowed. While these numbers are impressive, a key element of their win-loss record has been winning the turnover battle, as they rank first in terms of giveaways, and 8th in terms of takeaways. This is a team that takes care of the football, while still boasting a potent passing game and decent running game. 

According to Football Outsiders DVOA, the Packers boast the second ranked offense in the NFL, largely driven by the passing game. There can be no denying that if Rodgers is allowed time and space the Packers will be in the box seat to win this one. On the positive side for the 49ers, the Packers are reliant on their offense for success. They rank only 22nd in DVOA on defense, while the Packers special teams ranks last (yep, even worse than the 49ers special teams!). 

While facing the #1 seed is a daunting task ahead for the 49ers, this is not a game that the 49ers should fear. There are a number of areas in which the 49ers could well have an advantage in this one. Here is where I see the game being won or lost for the 49ers. 

Battle tested. The Packers come into this one having lost their last game of the season to the Lions. While it was a meaningless game, it means the Packers have now not played a meaningful game in over a fortnight after the bye last week. The last time they played a team that finished with a winning record was back on November 29th when they beat the Rams. 

While the Packers come into the game well rested, what they may be lacking is the mettle that teams develop by playing meaningful games against top level opponents leading into elimination playoff games. 

The 49ers by contrast are coming off the back of two massive wins against playoff teams (Rams and Cowboys), in which both games would have eliminated the 49ers had they lost. Two weeks before the Rams they also played a nail-biter against the Titans, the AFC #1 seed. The 49ers should have the advantage in this one in terms of the callouses and mental fortitude these tougher games provide. 

Two areas I can see this providing a potential advantage are early in the game, where the 49ers may be able to get out to a fast start if the Packers come into the game a little loose, unfocused or tight, as well as late in the game if the game is close in the final minutes, where the 49ers have recently overcome close game pressure in the dying minutes in big games. 

Good Health. There were a few injury scares coming out of the Cowboys game, with Bosa and Warner ruled out with injury during the game, while Jimmy G and Ambry Thomas both pulled up with injuries out of the game. However, it looks like the 49ers were able to avoid any significant injuries, with all players participating in practice this week in some capacity, and no players ruled out or doubtful ahead of the game this weekend. Having all players available for this matchup will be a huge boon for the team. 

The Packers of course benefitted from the bye as the #1 seed last week, and also come into the game in relatively good health. They have a few players that were banged up that will be returning to the field. At this stage it looks like WR Marquez Valdez-Scantling will be the only player on either teams active roster not available due to injury. 

Stop Rodgers to Adams. When it comes to stopping the Packers, this is the most important combination that needs to be defended. Rodgers is an elite QB that can carve any team up, but it his combination with Adams that he consistently goes to in key moments right throughout a game. 

Adams accounted for 123 of the Packers 402 total receptions this season (just under one third), for 1,553 yards (over one third of the Packers total receiving yards) and 11 TDs (more than one quarter of their total receiving TDs). The next closest receiver was Allen Lazard with 40 catches and 513 yards (RB Aaron Jones had 52 catches). When it comes to the Packers passing offense, Adams is option 1a and 1b, and he typically dominates.   

However, if a team can find a way to limit him, that team will go a long way to winning. In their four defeats this season Adams averaged just 6 catches for 67 receiving yards per game, while he averaged over 7.5 catches for 99 yards per game in their 13 victories. Adams also only scored in one of those four defeats. Three of Adams' four lowest receiving outputs on the season were in games the Packers lost. 

If the 49ers can contain Adams in this one it will go a long way to keeping the Packers offense in check, and give the team a good chance of coming away with the win. However, it won't be easy, and will take a much better effort than in their week 3 contest where Adams had 12 catches for 132 yards and a TD. Of course, Josh Norman was one of the 49ers starting CBs in that game, and he was in coverage on his TD. If Thomas is good to go in this one then he will be starting in place of Norman, and Adams will present his biggest challenge to date.

Thunder and Lightning. It is no secret now that the 49ers offense goes as far as the running game takes it. And the 49ers top two rushing threats (excluding Mostert on IR) will both be coming into this game fit and healthy. 

Mitchell has been a revelation this year as a sixth round rookie gem. In the 12 games he has played this season, he has topped 100 yards 4 times and 80 yards 8 times. And in 7 of the 8 times he has topped 80 yards, the 49ers have won the game (the only loss came against the Colts where Jimmy G had a terrible game). More telling, the 49ers have won five the past six games Mitchell has played, and in all six games he has rushed more than 20 times. Mitchell has become the 49ers most reliable player and also one of their most important as he plays a vital role in keeping the team in manageable down and distances on offense.

Do-it-all WR/RB(/QB?) Deebo Samuel provides the lightning AND thunder in the running game to Mitchell's steady output. He provides the big play threat every time he touches the ball out of the backfield, having provided 9 rushing TDs this season with 7 of those being of 10 yards or more. His acceleration is outstanding to consistently get himself to the edge and through gaps quickly, but he also brings a power element to his game that makes him very tough to bring down. 

If the 49ers are to win this game there is no doubt the combination of Mitchell and Samuel will be crucial to that victory. 

Equally important will be stopping the Packers from getting out to a big lead early, so the team can stick with the run. The Packers run defense has struggled at times this season, and has allowed 4.7 yards per carry on the season (30th most in the NFL). However, as teams have often been chasing points, the Packers faced the fourth fewest rush attempts in the NFL on the season. The 49ers need to stick with their ground attack and attack the Packers biggest weakness. This wil have the added benefit of giving Rodgers less opportunities with the ball. 

This should be another great game. Go 49ers!